Sabata (1969, ITA) C-107m. Scope ** D: Frank Kramer. Starring Lee van Cleef,
William Berger, Franco Ressel. Acceptable spaghetti western, whose title
character (expertly played by van Cleef) is after a stolen $100,000.
Occasional cleverness can’t overcome poor plot that has few novelties to
offer. Berger is pretty ridiculous as banjo-wielding gunslinger, the score is
good, though. Film’s full title is EHI AMICO ... C’E SABATA, HAI CHIUSO! Followed by a sequel.

Sabor de la Venganza, El (1963, SPA/ITA) C-75m. Scope **½ D: Joaquín Luis Romero
Marchent. Starring Richard Harrison, Robert Hundar, Fernando Sancho, Claudio
Ungari, Luis Induni, Gloria Milland, Raf Baldassarre, Aldo Sambrell. Pre-Leone western leans
towards the classic American western (of which Riz Ortolani provides a great
score imitation). Three brothers, all grown up to be different, have not
forgotten the murder of their father 20 years ago. Who will finally avenge
it? Quite appealing despite being weakly plotted. Original version reportedly
runs much longer. English titles: GUNFIGHT AT HIGH NOON, SONS OF VENGEANCE,
and THREE RUTHLESS ONES.

Sahara (2005, USA/GBR/SPA/GER) C-124m. Scope **½ D Breck Eisner. Starring Penélope Cruz, Matthew
McConaughey, Steve Zahn, William H. Macy, Delroy Lindo. Adaptation of one of
Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt adventure novels is a near-miss: McConaughey plays
the adventurer/hero Pitt, who ends up in Mali, Africa, chasing after a famed
Civil War battleship. He teams up with WHO doctor Cruz, who’s researching a
mysterious virus up the river Niger. Never believable, but action-filled
enough to make this fairly entertaining. Good production values. Only other
Cussler novel filmed before was RAISE THE TITANIC (1980).

Saibogujiman Kwenchana (2006, KOR) C-105m. M D: Park Chan-Wook. Starring Lim Su-jeong, Rain, Choi Hie-jin, Kim
Byeong-ok. Terminally weird film about a young woman working in a factory
(pop singer Rain), who is interred with psychological problems into an insane
asylum, and this is indeed where she belongs. She believed herself to be a
cyborg. She meets and falls in love with equally crazy Lim. Park, director of
OLDBOY (2003), adds one demented idea after the other, but the result is
totally pointless. Even the doctors are behaving abnormally here. English
title: I’M A CYBORG BUT THAT’S OKAY.

Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the
Sea, The
(1976, GBR) C-105m. Scope
*** D: Lewis John Carlino. Starring Sarah Miles, Kris Kristofferson,
Jonathan Kahn, Margo Cunningham, Earl Rhodes. In a British seaside town,
widowed mother (Miles) of a teenage boy (Kahn) is about to fall in love
again… with a sailor (Kristofferson). Film deals with the boy’s complicated
coming-to-terms with his mother’s new feelings and his relationship with his
friends, one of whom (Rhodes, remarkably cold) is influencing him in negative
way. Deliberately paced character study with fine performances and a moody
score. Well-photographed by Douglas Slocombe. The director scripted from a
novel by Yukio Mishima.

Saimin (1999, JAP) C-109m. **½ D: Masayuki Ochiai.
Starring Goro Inagaki, Miho Kanno, Takeshi Masu, Ken Utsui, Yuki Watanabe. Derivative but quite
effective horror thriller about mysterious suicides in contemporary Tokyo,
which, as it turns out, have been caused by an elusive hypnotist, who planted
a sound inside the victim’s minds that causes them to go crazy. An inspector
and a psychologist try to track down the person responsible. Interesting film
steals too much from movies like SE7EN (1995) and the Japanese hit CURE/KYUA
(1997), but has an exciting finale. Based on a novel by Keisuke Matsuoka.
English titles: HYPNOSIS, and THE HYPNOTIST.

Salem’s Lot (1979, USA) C-184m.
*** D: Tobe Hooper. Starring David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin,
Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayres, Julie Cobb, Elisha Cook Jr., George Dzundza, Ed
Flanders, Geoffrey Lewis, Barney McFadden, Kenneth McMillan, Reggie Nalder.
Novelist Soul returns to his hometown of Salem’s Lot and finds out that
antiques dealer Mason may be the reason for the disappearance of some
children. What’s more, Mason’s house is reported to be haunted. Is he
harboring a vampire? Adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel builds
suspense and atmosphere neatly until hair-raising climax. Nalder’s make-up is
terrifying! Originally made for television, film was released to theaters in
Europe in a 110m. version. This one suffers from a rushed story setup and
rates **½. Script was originally offered to George A. Romero; Hooper’s
choice of directing this TV-movie seems odd, especially after his uncompromising
earlier efforts. Also known as BLOOD THIRST. In-name-only sequel: A RETURN TO
SALEM’S LOT (1987), which was directed by Larry Cohen.

Salome (1973, GBR) 18m. n/r D:
Clive Barker. Starring Anne Taylor, Graham Bickley, Clive Barker, Doug Bradley.
First film work of horror novelist and filmmaker Barker is a highly
aesthetic, even hypnotic short film, loosely based on the play by Oscar
Wilde. Eerie score, great atmosphere, an outstanding achievement, made when
Barker was only 21. A must for followers of the director and basically all
horror buffs.

Samaria (2004, KOR) C-95m. *** D: Ki-duk Kim. Starring Min-jeong Seo
(=Yeo-reum Han), Ji-min Kwak, Eol Lee, Kwon Hyun-Min. Another fascinating
drama from the new Korean cinema and one of its wunderkinds about two school
girls, who decide to prostitute themselves to finance a trip to Europe. One
girls sells her body unflinchingly, her friend is her "manager".
Then tragedy strikes... Deeply felt, subtle drama, a telling observation of
modern youth, and later modern parenting. Not for everyone's taste but
well-acted and hypnotic towards the end. Fine score makes use of a famous
classical theme. Winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin film festival.
English title: SAMARITAN GIRL.

Samouraï, Le (1967, FRA/ITA) C-96m. ***½ D:
Jean-Pierre Melville. Starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon,
Cathy Rosier, Catherine Jourdan. Somber, pessimistic drama about professional killer
Delon, whom the police are trying to get hold of. Delon’s situation gets more
and more hopeless, and he realizes that the lonely, isolated life he has led
is like that of a bird in a cage. Masterful film initiated Delon’s
international career and has become a cult item. Deliberately paced but
fascinating if tuned in to immaculate atmosphere. An exceptional achievement
by one of the great French directors.Scripted by Melville, who
adapted Goan McLeod’s The Ronin. Photographed by Henri Decaë. Originally 103m.

Sansone Contro i Pirati (1963, ITA) C-84m. Scope *½ D: Amerigo Anton (=Tanio
Boccia). Starring Kirk Morris, Margaret Lee, Daniele Vargas, Aldo Bufi Lando,
Calisto Calisti. Adequately produced but empty-headed, poorly plotted costumer about
strongman Samson (Morris), who goes against evil pirate who has abducted
Lee’s friends and intends to auction them off as slaves. Hard to believe
people once found this entertaining. English titles: SAMSON AGAINST THE
PIRATES, SAMSON AND THE SEA BEAST.

Santa Sangre (1989, MEX/ITA) C-123m. ***½
D : Alejandro Jodorowsky. Starring Axel Jodorowsky, Blanca Guerra,
Sabrina Dennison, Guy Stockwell, Thelma Tixou, Adan Jodorowsky, Faviola
Elenka Tapia. Exceptional film produced by Claudio Argento marked Jodorowsky’s
return to the screen after a break of ten years. Young Fenix, the son of a
brutal, ugly circus owner (Stockwell) and a religious fanatic (Guerra) lives
through a traumatizing childhood, which climaxes in his mother pouring acid
on his father’s genitals in a rage of jealousy and his father cutting off her
arms. The boy lives in an institution, refusing to speak, and when he
coincidentally meets the woman responsible for his father’s death, he escapes
and becomes a murderer, intent on killing every woman he meets. When his
mother reappears, he performs with her, lending her his arms. Absolutely
fascinating, irresistible depiction of circus life and the Mexican
netherworld, grotesque and graphic, but also incredibly poetic and
heart-rending. One stabbing scene (obviously influenced by Dario Argento) is
so shockingly realistic that it is missing from most prints. Brilliant score
by Simon Boswell. Original story by Alejandro Jodorowsky, whose collaboration
with Marcel Marceau in the 1950s clearly influenced his style. The pantomime
‘The Creation of the World’, appearing in this film, is based on one of
Marceau’s acts.

Sa Som I Himmelen (2004, SWE) C-132m. **½ D: Kay Pollak.
Starring Michael Nyqvist, Frida Hallgren, Lennart Jähkel, Ingela Olsson,
Niklas Falk, Helen Sjöholm. Oscar-nominated drama about famous conductor, who is
forced to interrupt his career for health reasons and returns to his
old hometown in the Swedish countryside, where nobody remembers him. He tries
to integrate in the small community and meets all kinds of problems. Not very
cinematic, almost Dogma-like drama about a man finding himself. Direction,
acting contribute to feeling of authenticity but there’s no reason for this
to be so long or undramatic. English title: AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, AS IN HEAVEN.

Satan Bug, The (1965, USA) C-114m. Scope *** D: John Sturges.
Starring George Maharis, Richard Basehart, Anne Francis, Dana Andrews, John
Larkin, Richard Bull, Edward Asner, James Doohan. Thriller detailing nervous
quest to retrieve title germ that has been stolen from government lab. The
virus can wipe out whole cities – and there is no antidote! Never hits
bull’s-eye due to muddled, uneven plot, but manages to create some suspense,
and cinematography (by Robert Surtees) is something to see. Fine, first-rate
score by Jerry Goldsmith. Based on an Alistair MacLean novel.

Satanic Rites of Dracula, The (1974, GBR) C-87m.
** D: Alan Gibson. Starring Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Michael
Coles, William Franklyn, Freddie Jones, Joanna Lumley. Final installment in
Hammer Films’ DRACULA series is one of the weakest. In modern-day England,
Professor Van Helsing (Cushing) must do battle yet again with unkillable
count Dracula (Lee), who intends to wipe out civilization with a deadly
virus. The stars do their best to keep this from sinking too fast. Film shows
the typical 70s tendency of being explicitly violent. Also shown at 84m.

Satan’s Bed (1965, USA) B&W-72m. M D: Michael Findlay. Starring Yoko
Ono, Val Avery, Roberta Findlay. Unwatchable mess of a movie about several
drug-addicted youngsters and their lifestyle in contemporary New York. Mid-60s exploitation done with gritty black-and-white
realism and no professionalism whatsoever. Of sole interest for the
appearance of John Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono, but there’s so little dialogue,
anyone could have played her role. Avoid. Reissued as SATAN’S HOT BED.

Satan’s School for Girls (1973, USA) C-74m.
*** D: David Lowell Rich. Starring Pamela Franklin, Kate Jackson, Lloyd
Bochner, Jamie Smith-Jackson, Roy Thinnes, Jo Van Fleet, Cheryl Stoppelmoor
(Ladd). Above-average, interesting chiller made for TV about Franklin, whose
sister inexplicably committed suicide. She goes to her sister’s school to
investigate, enrolling as a student. She finds out there’s something weird
going on and more suicides are to follow. What mystery is the basement
harboring? Quite well-directed mystery horror makes the most of its
capacities. Might even have been an influence for SUSPIRIA (1977). Written by
Arthur A. Ross (CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, THE GREAT RACE), coproduced by
Aaron Spelling. Remade in 2000.

Satan's Slave (1976, GBR) C-89m. Scope ** D: Norman J. Warren.
Starring Michael Gough, Candace Glendenning, Martin Potter, Barbara
Kellerman, Michael Grace, James Bree, Celia Hewitt. During a visit to the
country house of her uncle, young Glendenning gets caught in a sect of devil
worshippers, who want to resurrect a demon. Solidly filmed horror trash, with
some nudity, sadistic violence and gore. Of interest to horror fans only.
Others may find it repellent.

Savage Harvest (1981, USA) C-83m.
** D: Robert E. Collins. Starring Tom Skerritt, Michelle Phillips, Shawn
Stevens, Anne-Marie Martin, Derek Partridge. In Kenya, Africa, local
tribesmen are fearing attacks by vicious lions, and indeed the wildcats
besiege an entire family at their villa. Okay, inauspicious thriller is never
as rousing as it would like to be. Skerritt’s earnest performance helps.
Photographed by Ronnie Taylor (OPERA).

Savage Weekend (1979, USA) C-87m.
** D: David Paulsen. Starring Christopher Allport, James (Jim) Doerr,
Marylin Hamlin, Caitlin O’Heaney. In this horror thriller a group of
weekenders find themselves under attack by a masked maniac. Not-bad slasher
movie moves at a slow pace but is well-directed and shot. Score is more
elaborate than you’d expect. Slasher movie fans should give this one a look,
it’s not bad despite familiar trappings and sluggish plotting. Also known as
THE KILLER BEHIND THE MASK (film’s working title) and THE UPSTATE MURDERS.

Saving Private Ryan (1998, USA) C-170m. Scope *** D: Steven Spielberg.
Starring Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg,
Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Jeremy Davies, Matt Damon, Ted Danson, Paul
Giamatti, Dennis Farina. WW2, Steven Spielberg-style: A group of soldiers led
by Hanks is ordered to find and bring back a private whose three brothers
have died on the battlefields. Their journey and desperate search turns into
a nightmare as some of the soldiers lose their life themselves. Bravura
action scenes, top direction and effects (especially in the final battle) do
much to camouflage pathetic Americana. Only occasionally manages to criticise
the lack of humanity in war (although the film does show it up
constantly). In structure not dissimilar to George Romero’s legendary DAWN OF
THE DEAD (the effects do put most horror films to shame). Allegedly based on
a true story. Oscar-winner for Best Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Sound
and Effects. Score by John Williams.

Savior (1998, USA) C-103m. **½ D:
Predrag Antonijevic. Starring Dennis Quaid, Nastassja Kinski, Catlin Foster,
Stellan Skarsgård, John MacLaren, Jean-Marc Barr. After having lost his wife
and only child in an attack by terrorist bombers and killed some religious
fundamentalists in an act of revenge, Quaid enlists in the Foreign Legion,
fighting in the Yugoslav war in 1993. He encounters a pregnant young woman,
whom he saves from certain death. He feels responsible for her and the child,
so he protects them, trying to get them through to Zagreb. Nicely
photographed war film, hampered by listless direction and a lack of character
development. Maybe producer Oliver Stone should have directed as well.

Saw (2004, USA) C-103m. ***½ D: James Wan. Starring Leigh
Whannell, Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Dina Meyer, Mike Butters, Paul
Gutrecht, Michael Emerson, Shawnee Scott, Monica Potter. Riveting horror
thriller that maintains a fever pitch from start to finish. Whannell and
Elwes, two strangers, wake up in a shabby warehouse bathroom, obviously as
prisoners of some deranged psychopath. Cops Glover and Leung are hot on his
trail… can they or indeed anyone figure out which sick game the killer is
playing? Intense, twist-laden story operates on several time levels and is
stylishly directed. Leaves you hardly any time to breathe and keeps adding
more and more (also gore) to its cocktail of suspense and violence. Plot is
not completely airtight, but at this pace, who cares? A surefire cult hit,
written by star Whannell (whose acting is decidely inferior to his writing),
from a story by himself and the director. References ranging from Argento (PROFONDO
ROSSO, OPERA – love the stethoscope scene) to Fincher (SE7EN) make it all the
more fun for buffs. Followed by SAW II (2005).

Saw
II (2005, USA) C-93m. *** D: Darren
Lynn Bousman. Starring Donnie Wahlberg, Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Franky G,
Erik Knudsen, Glenn Plummer, Dina Meyer. Fast-paced, gimmicky sequel to the
2004 horror hit puts cop Wahlberg face to face with the jigsaw killer, who
has locked several people into a booby trapped house, including Wahlberg’s
son. A gas will kill them in two hours, unless they find an antidote, hidden
somewhere in the derelict building. A bit too sadistic and unpleasant at
times, but generally enjoyable, if you like this kind of stuff. Written by
the director and Leigh Whannell, who also executive produced, along with the
original SAW director James Wan. Followed by SAW III (2006).

Saw III (2006, USA) C-107m. **½ D:
Darren Lynn Bousman. Starring Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Angus Macfadyen, Bahar Soomekh,
Donnie Wahlberg, Dina Meyer, Leigh Whannell. Third SAW movie has the dying
Jigsaw killer and his assistantkidnap a doctor,who must keep
him alive unless she will die with him because the collar around her neck is
tied to his life functions. Meanwhile, a man who’s been mourning the death of
his son by a hit-and-run driver is trying to escape a labyrinth devised by
the madman. Story is still gripping and includes some gross-out gore and
death scenes, but script is slightly uneven and most of this is déjà vu. Fans
won’t mind.

Saw
IV (2007, USA) C-96m. **½ D: Darren
Lynn Bousman. Starring Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy
Russell, Lyriq Bent, Donnie Wahlberg, Angus Macfadyen, Shawnee Smith, Dina
Meyer. Horror franchise is still going strong, with this entry partly a
prequel to the other films, which explains – in flashback – how Jigsaw (Bell)
became the killer he was. Somebody is playing another game of torture, and
this time, detective Mathews’ (Wahlberg’s) life is at stake. Twisted story,
explicitly gory effects sure to make you cringe, film relies heavily on the
previous parts, so watch this right after SAW III if possible.

Saw
V (2008,
USA/CDN) C-95m. **½ D: David Hackl. Starring Tobin Bell, Costas
Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell, Julie Benz, Meagan Good, Mark
Rolston. No end in sight to horror franchise, and to be honest, there’s no
need. Fifth SAW movie explains how agent Hoffman (Mandylor) was corrupted by
Jigsaw Bell and how agent Strahm (Patterson) manages to narrowly escape one
of his torture devices. Of course, there’s a group of related people, who
have to escape booby-trapped rooms. Still fascinating, with a few gross-out
scenes, and a WTF-ending. Followed by SAW VI (2009).

Saw
VI (2009,
USA/CDN/GBR/AUS) C-91m. ** D: Kevin Greutert. Starring Tobin Bell,
Costas Mandylor, Mark Rolston, Betsy Russell, Shawnee Smith, Peter
Outerbridge, Athena Karkanis, Samantha Lemole, Tanedra Howard. Weakest of the
SAW films, this one follows agent Hoffman, who intends to complete the late
Jigsaw’s last plan involving an insurance broker. Jigsaw’s wife is an
accomplice, although the other policemen are hot on Hoffman’s trail. Best
part is by-now trademark twist finale, but rest of the film is rather weakly
plotted, if by no means bad. For SAW fans.

Sbirro, la Tua Legge è Lenta… la Mia…
No! (1979,
ITA) C-103m. *½ D: Stelvio Massi. Starring Maurizio Merli, Mario
Merola, Carmen Scarpitta, Francisco Rabal, Nando Marineo. Italian police actioner
(poliziottesco), made at the end of this subgenre’s popularity. Merli plays a
cop who returns to Naples and must fight the local mafia. Some violent
shoot-outs, but plot is lame. At least the score is by Stelvio Cipriani.
Title translates as YOUR LAW IS SLOW, BUT MINE ISN’T!

Scandal (1989, GBR) C-114m. *** D:
Michael Caton-Jones. Starring John Hurt, Joanne Whalley-Kilmer, Bridget
Fonda, Ian McKellen,
Leslie Phillips, Britt Ekland, Daniel Massey, Roland Gift, Jeroën Krabbé. The Profumo Scandal of
the early 1960s that eventually led to the downfall of the government is
vividly brought to the screen. Whalley-Kilmer portrays an 18 year-old
showgirl, who becomes the mistress of the British Defense Minister John
Profumo. Hurt, as the man who introduces her to the political elite of the
country, is excellent as usual. A well-acted, interesting drama with a good
score by Carl Davis. Director Caton-Jones’ (THIS BOY’S LIFE, THE JACKAL)
first film. R-rated U.S. version runs 106m.

Scanner Darkly, A (2006, USA) C-100m.
*½ D: Richard Linklater. Starring Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robert
Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Rory Cochrane, David Cronenberg. Adaptation of a
1977 Philip K. Dick novel set in the near future, where main character Reeves
is a cop of sorts, a spy, whose looks change every nano-second. He goes
undercover to nail drug dealer Downey, but soon finds himself ‘trapped’ in
their world, especially when he takes some of their valued Substance D.
Filmed with real actors, then animated, which lends the film some style, but
also keeps this rather artificial. The plot is uneven. Contains odd humorous
touches, as well as identity-crisis elements a la BLADE RUNNER (1982). A
misfire, much too immersed in its own weirdness. Screenplay by director
Linklater.

Scanners (1981, CDN) C-103m.
*** D: David Cronenberg. Starring Jennifer O’Neill, Stephen Lack, Patrick
McGoohan, Lawrence Dane, Charles Shamata, Michael Ironside. Cronenberg’s
shocker about people who can read minds - and cause heads to explode.
Well-scripted (by the director) and especially well-scored (by Howard Shore),
film rates among the director’s best films and is only marred by the
protagonist’s indifferent performance. The special effects are yucky but
good. Followed by two sequels in 1991 and 1992, and a new SCANNER COP movie series
in 1994.

Scared to Death (1981, USA) C-91m.
** D: William Malone. Starring John Stinson, Diana Davidson, Jonathan
David Moses, Tony Jannotta, Walker Edmistor, Pamela Bowman, William Malone.
Straight horror film about mutated monster, which roams the sewers and kills
young women. Ex-cop Stinson tackles the case. No surprises here, but okay for
what it is, has a decent score. Followed by a sequel, SYNGENOR (1990). Also
known as THE ABERDEEN EXPERIMENT.

Scarlet Diva (2000, ITA) C-91m. Scope
*** D: Asia Argento. Starring Asia Argento, Jean Shepard, Herbert
Fritsch, Vera Gemma, Daria Nicolodi, David Brandon. Intense self-portrait of
actress Asia Argento (daughter of Dario), who plays a busy, successful
actress with a childhood trauma, who’s also essentially lonely. She travels
around the world mainly to get her script produced, entitled Scarlet Diva.
Then she learns that she is pregnant from an Australian rock singer.
Occasionally pretentious but effective psycho drama with a great Argento
performance – or is it a performance at all? Difficult to watch at times, but
Argento has fashioned a true cult film. Might not work as well for non-fans,
though. Dedicated to Anna Ceroli, Asia’s half-sister, who died in an accident
in 1994. Incidentally, Asia gave birth to a daughter called Anna in June
2001, a year after this film was first released. Brandon reprises his role
from the 1986 DELIRIA (STAGEFRIGHT / AQUARIUS). Produced by Claudio and Dario
Argento.

Scars of Dracula (1970, GBR) C-95m.
** D: Roy Ward Baker. Starring Christopher Lee, Dennis Waterman, Jenny
Hanley, Patrick Houghton, Michael Ripper, Michael Gwynn. Sixth DRACULA movie
by Hammer Films has the count resurrected by the blood of a bat. A young
couple go in search of a missing brother and soon find themselves in hell’s
kitchen (or, the vampire’s castle). Tired continuation of the series has lost
most of its edge over the years. Only Lee is convincing. Followed by DRACULA
A.D. 1972, which had old Drac move to contemporary London.

Scavenger Hunt
(1979, USA) C-116m. ** D: Michael Schultz. Starring Richard Benjamin,
James Coco, Scatman Crothers, Ruth Gordon, Cloris Leachman, Cleavon Little,
Roddy McDowall, Robert Morley, Richard Mulligan, Tony Randall, Dirk Benedict,
Meat Loaf, Vincent Price, Avery Schreiber, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Attempt to
create a big comedy along the lines of IT’S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD$ (1963)
is an interesting failure. Dying Price will leave his fortune to the one who
will collect the most points in insane scavenger hunt. Sounds irresistible,
but direction is totally incompetent, and the laughs are not there all the
time. Too bad. Unavailable to the home video market for many years.

Schindler’s List (1993, USA) C/B&W-197m.
***½ D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes,
Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz. ‘Whoever saves one life,
saves the world entire.” Emotionally exhausting war drama about real-life
industrialist Oskar Schindler (Neeson), who during World War Two managed to
save the lives of hundreds of Jews by employing them in his factory. Film
details his relationship with the Nazis (especially German commander Göth,
played by Fiennes) and his growing obsession with saving lives – while
risking his own fortune and safety. Set against the backdrop of the brutal
killing of thousands of Jews in Krakow, this is director Spielberg’s personal
working up of the Holocaust and a great film for most of the way, with
excellent performances by Neeson and Kingsley (as Neeson’s Jewish assistant
and conscience). Let down occasionally by narrative that seems to be infected
by the war-time chaos and confusion that Spielberg so brilliantly,
harrowingly depicts. Perfect black-and-white cinematography by Janusz
Kaminski, haunting, unforgettable score by John Williams. Filmed on location
in Poland, where most of this film is set. Script by Steve Zaillian, based on
the novel by Thomas Keneally. Winner of seven Oscars, including Best Picture,
Best Director (Spielberg’s first), Best Score and Best Cinematography.

Schizo (1976, GBR) C-109m. ** D: Pete
Walker. Starring
Lynn Fredericks, John Leyton, Stephanie Beacham, John Fraser, Jack Watson.
Producer-director Walker is at it again, this time his exploitation story
centers around figure skater Fredericks, who is targeted and stalked by a
(schizophrenic?) maniac, but nobody believes her. Did she know him when she
was a child? Pretty much the same unpleasant bore that Walker gave us in
FRIGHTMARE or HOUSE OF WHIPCORD, and overlong, to boot. Finale is
interesting, though, so are some of the gore scenes. Also known as AMOK, and
BLOOD OF THE UNDEAD.

Schlangengrube und das Pendel, Die (1967, GER) C-83m. **
D: Harald Reinl. Starring Christopher Lee, Lex Barker, Karin Dor, Carl Lange,
Vladimir Medar. Barker and Dor are invited to a castle where Lee is waiting to be
revenged on them. Not really bad and quite atmospheric but tacky and
unconvincing. Based on E. A. Poe’s Pit and the Pendulum. U.S. titles:
THE TORTURE CHAMBER OF DR. SADISM, THE BLOOD DEMON, and CASTLE OF THE WALKING
DEAD.

Schock (1977, ITA) C-92m. *½ D:
Mario Bava. Starring Daria Nicolodi, John Steiner, David Colin Jr., Ivan
Rassimov, Nicola Salerno. Maestro Mario Bava’s final theatrical film
unfortunately does not compare with his earlier shockers. After the death of
her husband, Nicolodi moves back into their house with her new lover Steiner.
When her son (Colin Jr.) starts behaving strangely, her world is slowly
shattered by the ghosts of the past. Poorly scripted by Mario’s son Lamberto
(and three others), film lacks suspense, excitement and a fast pace.
Direction and camerawork are stylish as usual, but otherwise this is utterly
ordinary. Not the intended Freudian psycho thriller, as perhaps the title
might suggest. Score by Goblin (as Libra). Theme reworked by Lamberto later
in FINO ALLA MORTE. Alternative titles: SHOCK, and BEYOND THE DOOR II (this
is actually a sequel to the EXORCIST-clone CHI SEI?, released in the U.S. as
BEYOND THE DOOR).

Schöne Ende dieser Welt, Das (1984, GER) C-100m. **
D: Rainer Erler. Starring Robert Atzorn, Claire Oberman, Götz George, Judy Winter,
Werner Kreindl. Atzorn plays an industrial chemist working for a company
producing dangerous, toxic fertilizers. When he is sent to Australia to buy
land for building a new factory, he starts having doubts about the morality
of his undertaking, especially when he is confronted with environmental
activist George. Script by director Erler is ambitious as usual, but
budgetary restrictions hamper this TV production considerably. It’s just not
convincing and never exciting. Some prints are titled FLASHBACK.

School of Rock, The (2003, USA) C-109m.
**½ D: Richard Linklater. Starring Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White,
Adam Pascal, Robert Tsai, Frank Whaley. Black (of HIGH FIDELITY fame) is a
30-something slacker who dreams of making it as a rock star but sees his
chances crushed when he is kicked out of his own band. Then he takes up a job
as a teacher (posing as his roommate White) at an elite school, where the
children just happen to be fine musicians (in the classical sense). Black’s
performance is sensational, but the contrivances in the by-the-numbers script
are often hard to take. Written by costar White.

Schramm (1993, GER) C-65m. MD: Jörg Buttgereit. Starring
Florian Koerner, Monika M. Drastic horror film from Berlin sub-culture icon
Jörg Buttgereit, whose films have been banned by German authorities, but
surface now and then in video stores specializing on horror and trash. This
nauseating 1993 release is about sexually disturbed serial killer Schramm
(Koerner) and his unsuspecting roommate, a prostitute (Monika M.). Graphic
mutilations, lots of gore, but in such a nihilistic presentation that it
makes the film almost unwatchable. At least the filmmakers intended
the film to have a deeper meaning. Some surreal scenes (quite well-edited)
and a disquieting score add to the film's oppressive gruesomeness.

Schwarze Abt, Der (1963, FRA/GER) C-90m. Scope ** D: F. J. Gottlieb. Starring Joachim Fuchsberger,
Charles Regnier, Dieter Borsche, Grit Boettcher, Klaus Kinski, Eddi Arent. ‘The Black Abbot’ (i.e.
the English title of the movie) is stalking treasure hunters at a British
castle. Fuchsberger, who is not playing the inspector this time, may have
something to do with it. In this Edgar Wallace-inspired thriller the focus is
on the (trivial) plot, there’s hardly any suspense. Arent’s funny antics save
the film. Widescreen photography helps, too. English title: THE BLACK ABBOT.

Schwarze Schaf, Das (1960, GER) 95m. **½ D: Helmuth Ashley. Starring Heinz Rühmann,
Siegfried Lowitz, Lina Carstens, Karl Schönböck, Maria Sebaldt. Famed German star actor
Rühmann plays G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown, a priest with a
particular interest in murder cases. When he solves one in his hometown, the
bishop sends him away onto a small island which is said to be peaceful and
quiet. When a murder happens nonetheless Father Brown is out to investigate.
Crime comedy suffers from self-conscious humor but story develops into a
compact whodunit, which makes the film worth watching. Followed by ER KANN’S NICHT LASSEN in
1962.

Schweigende Stern, Der (1960, GDR/POL) C-94m. Scope ** D: Kurt Maetzig. Starring Yoko Tani,
Oldrich Lukes, Ignacy Machowski, Julius Ongewe. Based on Stanislaw Lem’s
novel Astronauci, this East German-Polish coproduction fails to make
much of its potentially intriguing premise. After a strange piece of rock is
explained to be from an extra-terrestrial spaceship that exploded on earth
several decades ago, a handful of renowned scientists make the voyage to
Venus, the planet the vessel is thought to have come from. They find its
surface devastated and deserted. Has there ever existed life on the planet?
Apart from the dated effects, film is sometimes incoherent and never terribly
involving or entertaining. Worth a look for science-fiction buffs, however.
English title: FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS. Released abroad at 78m.

Scoop (2006, GBR/USA) C-96m. *** D: Woody Allen. Starring
Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Woody Allen, Ian McShane, Charles Dance.
Johansson is a young journalist just starting out in the business, who is
contacted by a famous reporter just after he died(!). He tells her that he
knows who is the Tarot serial killer of late, thus giving her the opportunity
for the ultimate scoop. Together with stage magician Allen, she tries to make
the acquaintance of the purported killer (Jackman). Quite watchable mix of
murder mystery and romantic comedy, this has some very funny dialogue. One of
Allen’s typical whimsical comedies; one wonders why he doesn’t aim higher
anymore, however.

Scorched (2003, USA) C-89m. **½ D:
Gavin Grazer. Starring Alicia Silverstone, Rachael Leigh Cook, Woody
Harrelson, John Cleese, Paulo Costanzo, David Krumholtz, Joshua Leonard, Ivan
Sergei, Marcus Thomas, Jeffrey Tambor, Max Wein, Gavin Grazer. Amusing (if
underdeveloped) crime comedy with an interesting cast: Silverstone, Harrelson
and Costanzo all work for the same bank in the same village, and they are all
planning (independently so!) to steal some money for the craziest reasons.
Almost good. Cleese is fun to watch as an eccentric millionaire with a dog
and sushi fetish.

Scream (1996, USA) C-110m. Scope *** D: Wes Craven.
Starring Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore, Rose McGowan, Courteney
Cox, David Arquette, Jamie Kennedy, Liev Schreiber, Linda Blair. A year after
Campbell’s mother was found brutally murdered, the same murderer seems to go
on another killing spree and anyone - including Campbell’s friends - could be
the masked maniac. Tense, nerve-wrecking horror thriller isn’t really more
than typical teenie slasher fare but tremendously scary at that. Only let
down by an exaggerated (and unsatisfactory) conclusion. Director Wes Craven
has a funny cameo as Freddy Kruger. Followed by two sequels.

Scream 2 (1997, USA) C-120m. Scope ***½ D: Wes Craven. Starring
Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liev
Schreiber, Jamie Kennedy, Laurie Metcalf, Jada Pinkett, David Warner, Lewis
Arquette, Tori Spelling. Heather Graham, Kevin Williamson. Sequel to the
horror hit SCREAM is even better thanks to complicated, exciting plot about
now-college student Campbell, who is terrified when a new murder series similar
to the first one starts. Is it an imitation killer? Film (again scripted by
Kevin Williamson) applies horror (non-)logic but plays cleverly with its
premise and adds hair-raising excitement. Perhaps not as scary and original
as the first but sweat-inducing nevertheless. A bulls-eye horror thriller,
the best since CANDYMAN.

Scream 3 (2000, USA) C-116m. Scope *** D: Wes Craven. Starring
David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox Arquette, Patrick Dempsey, Scott
Foley, Lance Henriksen, Matt Keeslar, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Mortimer, Parker
Posey, Deon Richmond, Patrick Warburton, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Kennedy,
Heather Matarazzo, Roger Corman. The last part of the popular horror trilogy
is good, dirty fun in the best SCREAM-tradition. Campbell is on the run again
from the masked serial killer. This time he seems to be following the script
to STAB 3, a mavie based on the original murders, Forget about any logic,
just sit back and enjoy. Be warned, however: Those who haven’t seen the first
and second part might not as eagerly embrace this movie as those who have.
Certainly the weakest part of the trilogy, but good fun.

Scream… and Die!(1973, GBR) C-98m. ** D: Joseph (=José Ramón)
Larraz. Starring Andrea Allan, Karl Lanchbury, Maggie Walker, Peter Forbes-Robertson,
Judy Matheson. Strange sex-and-crime concoction about fashion model Allan,
who stumbles into strange mansion with her boyfriend, only to witness a
gruesome sex murder. She manages to escape, but her lover remains missing. Is
the killer targeting her now? Sounds much more interesting than it plays, it
goes nowhere after establishing the premise. Sluggish, talky thriller with a
handful of rewarding features for buffs: Some stylish lighting, Allan’s
gorgeous physique (she can act, too!) and a bizarre love sequence involving a
middle-aged woman. Film was written by Derek Ford (perhaps inspired by
Italian B-movies of the period), who also edited part of it. Alternative
titles: DON’T GO INTO THE BEDROOM, THE HOUSE THAT VANISHED, and PSYCHO SEX FIEND.

Scream and Scream Again (1970, GBR) C-95m.
*½ D: Gordon Hessler. Starring Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter
Cushing, Judy Huxtable, Christopher Matthews, Alfred Marks, Peter Sallis.
Strange, confusing supernatural thriller: The police are trying to catch a
dangerous murderer whose victims are found drained of their blood. The
puzzling killings may be in connection with a secret military organization
which, it turns out, has diabolical plans for humanity. This premise
indicates that original story (from Peter Saxon’s novel The Disorientated
Man) is not bad. The adaptation (by Christopher Wicking) is, a
fact which can’t even be compensated by the (brief) appearances of three
horror stars Price, Lee and Cushing.

Screamers (1995, CDN) C-108m.
**½ D: Christian Duguay. Starring Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, Roy
Dupuis, Andy Lauer, Charles Powell, Ron White. War has devastated a distant
planet and military commander Weller has to contend with so-called Screamers,
who are shapeshifters programmed to kill. Atmospheric sci-fi action starts
impressively but then unfortunately loses its footing. Based on Second
Variety, a short story by Philip K. Dick, the film is highly reminiscent
of BLADE RUNNER.

Screamtime (1983, GBR) C-89m.
** D: Al Beresford (=Stanley A. Long). Starring Vincent Russo, Michael
Gordon, Marie Scinto, Kevin Smith, Robin Bailey. Watchable, if considerably
silly horror anthology, with frame story about two losers who steal video
tapes and watch them at a randy friend’s place. First story concerns an old
puppeteer, who is harassed by his family. Second one deals with a woman who
has visions of horror in her home. And the last one is about a small-time
crook who tries to rob a house protected by fairies. Not-bad, but still
pretty pointless and quite laughable. Written by Michael Armstrong (HEXEN BIS
AUFS BLUT GEQUÄLT – MARK OF THE DEVIL).

Scrooged (1988, USA) C-101m.
** D: Richard Donner. Starring Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John For-sythe,
John Glover, Bobcat Goldthwaite, Carol Kane, Robert Mitchum, Buddy Hackett,
Lee Majors. Need-lessly aggressive updating of the classic Charles Dickens
story with Murray a cold-hearted TV executive who loses his contempt for
Christmas when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve. Second ghost has the
best moments in this quite funny modernization. The ending comes off forced,
though.

S. Darko (2009, USA) C-103m. **½ D: Chris Fisher. Starring Daveigh
Chase, Briana Evigan, James Lafferty, Ed Westwick, Walter Platz, Elizabeth
Berkley. Atmospheric follow-up to the cult hit DONNIE DARKO (2001) about
Donnie’s sister Samantha (Chase) who drfits across the country with her
friend Evigan. And guess what: The world is about to end, and it’ll all
happen in a small town in the middle of nowhere. Road movie fantasy has the
original’s touch, and with a good, hypnotic score manages to draw you in,
although plot twists make little sense. A throwback to Twin Peaks days (which
isn’t all that bad). Production design by Alfred Sole (COMMUNION). Released
directly to video.

Seabiscuit (2003, USA) C-141m. Scope ***½ D: Gary Ross. Starring
Jeff Bridges, Tobey Maguire, Chris Cooper, William H. Macy, Elizabeth Banks,
Gary Stevens, James Keane, Gary Ross. Beautifully handled drama about
opportunist Bridges, who loses most of his newly-gained wealth in stockmarket
crash of 1929 and resorts to managing racing horses. One day he teams up with sensitive
trainer Cooper and jockey Maguire to make once-injured horse Seabiscuit a
champion. Excellent
screenwriting introduces the story beautifully, and entire production is
sublime. Good performances, immaculate period flavor, top Hollywood
filmmaking. Written by director Ross, based on the book by Laura
Hillenbrand. Was nominated for 7 Oscars, won none. Same story filmed
before in 1949.

Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964, GBR)
B&W-116m. ***½ D: Bryan Forbes. Starring Kim Stanley,Richard
Attenborough, Nanette Newman, Mark Eden, Gerald Sim, Patrick Magee, Judith
Donner. Outstanding psycho drama about psychotic medium Stanley, who plots to
kidnap girl of rich family, hoping to get a reward for her “help” in locating
the girl. Intimidated husband Attenborough reluctantly agrees to help with
the scheme. Well-directed, brilliantly acted, not easily forgotten movie that
some rightfully regard as a classic. Stanley should have won an Oscar (she
was nominated). Interestingly, she suffered from psychosis in real life
(revealed by director Forbes in an interview on the 2003 DVD). Terrific score
by John Barry. Based on the novel by Mark McShane, remade by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
for Japanese TV in 2000 (as KOREI). Referenced in Dario Argento’s TRAUMA
(1993).

Sea of Love (1989, USA) C-112m.
*** D: Harold Becker. Starring Al Pacino, Ellen Barkin, John Goodman,
Michael Rooker, William Hickey, Richard Jenkins, Paul Calderon, Mark Phelan,
Samuel L. Jackson. Police inspector Pacino is faced with brutal murders of
men who put ads in the lonely hearts columns in newspapers. During the
investigation he meets (and gradually falls in love with) possible suspect
Barkin, a steamy femme fatale. Interesting, well-written thriller, a
quintessential one of the late 1980s, with another excellent performance by
Pacino. Good photography by Ronnie Taylor (OPERA). Scenes with Lorraine
Bracco (as Pacino’s ex-wife) were cut out before the premiere.

Searchers, The (1956, USA) C-120m.
*** D: John Ford. Starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward
Bond, Natalie Wood, John Qualen, Olive Carey, Harry Carey Jr. Classic
American western, usually cited as the best one, about war veteran Wayne’s
embittered search for his niece, who has been abducted by Indians. Wayne
spends years on their trail, aided by inexperienced Hunter. Western drama is
unevenly structured and its intended emotional impact never fully realized.
Negative, one-sided portrayal of Native Americans doesn’t help either.
Well-paced, with a nice sense of humor, but cannot hold a candle to Sergio
Leone’s operatic Dollar trilogy. Spawned many imitations. Shot in
VistaVision.

Second Best (1993, GBR/USA)
C-105m. *** D: Chris Menges. Starring William Hurt, John Hurt, Chris
Cleary Miles, Keith Allen, Jane Horrocks, Prunella Scales, Alan Cumming. A
self-conscious postmaster (William Hurt) decides to adopt a child and is
matched with a troubled ten year-old (Miles), whose father is in prison.
Hurt, whose childhood was not a happy one either, sees a chance to give each
other the love they are both lacking in their lives. Good drama with superb
performances, especially by William Hurt and Miles, could have been even
better. Screenplay by David Cook, from his own novel. John Hurt’s role is no
more than a cameo. Fine score by Simon Boswell (SANTA SANGRE). Set (and
filmed) in Wales.

Secretary (2002, USA) C-112m.
*** D: Steven Shainberg. Starring James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy
Davies, Patrick Bauchau, Stephen McHattie, Oz Perkins, Jessica Tuck, Amy
Locane, Lesley Ann Warren. Highly original drama about mentally imbalanced
Gyllenhaal, who has just been released from a mental institution and tries to
make a stand in real life. The self-mutilating, insecure young woman then
takes a job as a secretary in lawyer Spader’s firm, little knowing that he is
a branded soul himself. Not consistently interesting, but this fresh drama is
so well-performed you will forgive its dramatic shortcomings. Good score by
Angelo Badalamenti. Based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill.

Secret Ceremony (1968, GBR) C-109m.
**** D: Joseph Losey. Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Mia Farrow, Robert
Mitchum, Peggy Ashcroft, Pamela Brown. Brilliantly acted chamber piece about
Farrow and Taylor, whose meeting on the bus one day marks the beginning of a
highly unusual relationship. Psychotic, girlish Farrow takes Taylor for her
dead mother, who looked just like her. Taylor, in turn, accepts this role
play hesitantly; Farrow’s resemblance with her own (dead) daughter is
striking. The arrival of Farrow’s stepfather, lecherous Mitchum, puts a
strain on their odd relationship. Completely fascinating psycho drama,
difficult to watch but psychologically valid, with excellent direction by
Losey (ACCIDENT), a must for cineastes. Farrow’s performance is breathtaking.
Scripted by playwright George Tabori, who adapted the novel Ceremonia
Secreta by Marco Denevi. Appropriately bizarre score by Richard Rodney
Bennett. Beware edited 101m. version.

Secret des Selenites, Le (1983, FRA) C-82m.
*½ D: Jean Image. Crude animation chronicles the adventures of the famed
Baron Münchhausen as he sets out to find the Selenites, the secret
inhabitants of the moon. Unpleasantly animated with many odd characters, film
is not as interesting as it sounds.

Secret Window (2004, USA) C-96m.Scope **½ D: David Koepp. Starring Johnny Depp,
John Turturro, Maria Bello, Timothy Hutton, Charles S. Dutton. Okay thriller about
troubled writer Depp, who is harassed by another writer (Turturro), who
claims that Depp has stolen his story. Strangely enough, Depp has a hard time
proving that he is wrong. Improbable (and thus predictable) from the word go,
this thriller is kept alive by fair pace and Depp’s performance. Based on a
short story by (you guessed it) Stephen King. Screenplay by the director.
Score by Philip Glass.

Seduction, The (1982, USA) C-104m.
** D: David Schmoeller. Starring Morgan Fairchild, Michael Sarrazin,
Vince Edwards, Andrew Stevens, Colleen Camp, Kevin Brophy. TV newswoman
Fairchild is stalked by a fan of hers, photographer Stevens. There’s not much
more to say about the plot, it’s predictable, slowly paced and rather stupid.
Watch it if you are a fan of 80s stylistics and Morgan Fairchild in her prime
(anybody?), stay away if you don’t dig pink credits. Has trash movie
appeal. Score by Lalo Schifrin. Frank Darabont was among the crew.

Seduction of a Priest (1990, GBR/SPA)
C-105m. ** D: Paolo Lara. Starring Paul McGann. Weak rendition of a
masterpiece of Gothic literature, The Monk (1791) by William Gregory
Lewis. McGann stars as a righteous monk who is seduced by a woman and soon
finds himself in earthly purgatory. In a second strand of action, a young nun
is imprisoned by the Mother Superior upon hearing that she is pregnant.
Well-acted but tame, poorly directed, nowhere near the classic original.
Filmed before by Ado Kyrou in 1972. Alternative title: THE MONK.

See
Jane Run (2007, USA) C-86m. *½ D:
Ryan Webb. Starring Jennifer Clary, Sasha Andreev, Joe Estevez, John
Rodriguez, Kevin Haberer. Attempt at paying homage to horror exploitation
movies (in particular T.C.M.) about four teenagers on the road, who end up in
a house where a psychopath is intent on killing them. Low-budget, independent
film starts not bad (excluding the odd opening scene), with less bad acting
than usual, but fails to go anywhere from the first 20 minutes. There’s no
atmosphere or suspense, and the villain looks like the guy next door (in a
polished suburban house!). Some gore effects, most of them unconvincingly done with the computer.

Sei Donne per l’Assassino (1964, ITA/FRA/GER) C-89m.
**½ D: Mario Bava. Starring Cameron Mitchell, Eva Bartok, Thomas Reiner, Arian Gorin, Dante
di Paolo, Mary Arden, Frank Russel, Claude Dantes. Someone is killing fashion
models for reasons that may be disclosed by the first victim’s diary, which
the killer is after. Inspector Reiner is investigating the case. Badly paced,
second rate plot (co-authored by the director) almost overcome by striking
direction, good photography (Ubaldo Terzano) and a fine dramatic score (Carlo
Rustichelli). This is how a horror thriller should be handled. Quite violent
for its time. A must for followers of the director. English title: BLOOD AND
BLACK LACE.

Sei
Mong Se Jun (2004, HGK) C-97m. *** D: Oxide Pang. Starring
Race Wong, Roseanne Wong, Anson Leung, Michelle Mee. Fascinating psycho
horror drama about an emotionally unstable young art student, who discovers
her fascination with death and becomes obsessed with photographing death
scenes. She distances herself from her surroundings, even becomes suicidal…
but that’s not the end of the story. Plot is not always consistent, but film
is stylishly directed, photographed and edited, another winner from
cutting-edge filmmaker Pang. Written by the director and Thomas Pang.
Produced by the Pang Brothers. English title: AB-NORMAL BEAUTY.

Seize the Day (1986, USA) C-97m.
***½ D: Fielder Cook. Starring Robin Williams, Joseph Wiseman, Jerry
Stiller, Glenne Headley, Tony Roberts, Richard Shull, John Fiedler, Jo van
Fleet, William Hickey. Compelling drama about an unemployedloser
(Williams), who’s separated from his wife and slowly has to learn that he’s a
failure in life. Not even his own father (Wiseman) shows compassion for his
son, who keeps trusting the wrong people. Brilliant acting by both Williams
and Wiseman (who was the first Bond villain in screen history) elevate this
serious drama, which is a little downbeat. Produced for television.

Self Defense (1983, CDN) C-81m.
** D: Paul Donovan, Marua O’Connell. Starring Brenda Bazinet, Jack Blum,
Richard Collins. Quite intense but otherwise strictly by-the-numbers thriller
about a group of thugs, who chase an eye witness to a murder in a gay bar and
try to break into the apartment where he hides out. Violent fare, also known
as SIEGE and NIGHT WARRIORS.

Semana del Asesino, La (1972, SPA) C-98m. **
D: Eloy de la Iglesia. Starring Vicente Parra, Emma Cohen, Eusebio Poncela,
Vicky Lagos, Lola Herrera, Rafael Hernández. Spanish horror film about a
slaughterhouse worker (Parra), who accidentally kills a taxi driver, then
must keep murdering to keep this a secret. Each murder leads to the next.
Guess where he disposes of his victims! Slowly paced drama with some gory
bits has a cult reputation, but fun it ain’t, rather depressing with
sub-standard acting. This was director Iglesias’ follow-up to the fascinating
EL TECHO DE CRISTAL (1971). English titles: CANNIBAL MAN, THE APARTMENT ON
THE 13TH FLOOR.

Semana Santa (2002, SPA/GBR/FRA/GER/ITA/DAN)
C-91m. ** D: Pepe Danquart. Starring
Mira Sorvino, Olivier Martinez, Féodor Atkine, Luis Tosar, Alida Valli, Peter
Berling. Sorvino
plays a troubled police woman, who comes to Sevilla, Spain, and soon finds
herself in the middle of the hunt for a serial killer. Utterly conventional
thriller, whose only novelty is the setting, the Semana Santa (Holy Week),
during which religious processions crowd the narrow streets. The characters
don’t figure at all in this film, at least it features some glossy
cinematography. Based on the novel by David Hewson.

Sender, The (1982, USA/GBR) C-91m. *** D:
Roger Christian. Starring Kathryn Harrold, Zeljko Ivanek, Shirley Knight,
Paul Freeman,
Sean Hewitt, Harry Ditson. Well-made supernatural thriller about hospital
patient Ivanek, who unwittingly tranforms his powerful and frightening
hallucinations to the hospital staff. The key to these telepathic powers lies
in his past, as doctor Harrold soon finds out. Surreal, complicated horror
film, surprisingly good. Its only mistake may be that it relies too much on
realistic thriller elements. First feature for both director Christian and
cinematographer Roger Pratt (BATMAN, BRAZIL). Christian won an Oscar as an
art director for STAR WARS.

Sensi (1986, ITA)
C-89m. *½ D: Gabriele Lavia. Starring Monica Guerritore, Gabriele Lavia,
Mimsy Farmer, Lewis E. Ciannelli, Dario Mazzoli. Lavia plays a hitman who is
on the run because he is in possession of some incriminating documents. He
hides in a brothel and falls in love with prostitute Guerritore. Poorly
paced, poorly directed, pointless ‘thriller’ that also isn’t very erotic. A
disappointment. English title: EVIL SENSES.

Sentenza di Morte (1968, ITA) C-90m. Scope *** D: Mario Lafranchi.
Starring Robin Clarke, Richard Conte, Enrico Maria Salerno, Adolfo Celi,
Tomas Milian, Eleonora Brown, Luciano Rossi. Unusual spaghetti western about
baby-faced Clarke, who is out to kill 4 colorful villains, who caused the
death of his brother. Simple revenge formula is overcome by stylish
direction, which celebrates the archetypes of the spaghetti western, and
brilliant score by Gianni Ferrio, who rivals Morricone in his use of unusual
instruments. For buffs. Might have been an inspiration for Tarantino’s KILL
BILL movies. English title: DEATH SENTENCE.

Sentinel, The (1977, USA) C-92m. *** D: Michael Winner. Starring Chris
Sarandon, Cristina Raines, Martin Balsam, John Carradine, José Ferrer, Ava
Gardner, Arthur Kennedy, Burgess Meredith, Sylvia Miles, Deborah Raffin, Eli
Wallach, Christopher Walken, Jerry Orbach, Bevery D’Angelo, Hank Garrett, Tom
Berenger, William Hickey, Jeff Goldblum. Derivative but enjoyable
supernatural thriller about young actress Raines, who moves into a New York
apartment, unknowing that the blind priest upstairs is there for a special
purpose – to guard the gate to hell. Despite so many stars in the cast, this
is a B-movie with dramatic faults, but it remains interesting (especially
because of compact running time) and even chilling. Make-up effects are good.
Written by director Winner, who adapted the novel by Jeffrey Konvitz, whose
book is an intriguing mix between ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968) and THE EXORCIST
(1973).

Seokkeul (2003, KOR) C-114m. **½ D: Seung-bae Park.
Starring Soo-yeon Kang, Woong-in Jeong, Jeong-yun Choi, Jae-ryong Jeon.Provocative
drama from Korea about a cold-blooded killer, who after being caught bases
his defense on the claim that he is the reincarnation of a killer from the
1930s. The (female) state attorney is furious, but there is more to this
story than she wants to believe; in flashbacks we learn about a fatal love
affair. Low-key, deliberately paced drama is a bit too heavy on the sap
sometimes, especially towards the end. Not a horror film, as the DVD cover
might have you believe; it does contain some graphic scenes, though. English
title: THE CIRCLE.

Seom (2000, KOR) C-90m. **½ D: Kim
Ki-duk. Starring Suh Jung, Kim Yoosuk, Park Sung-hee, Jo Jae-hyeon, Jang
Hang-seon. Quiet, disturbing drama about a mute woman, who rents out swimming
huts on a lake to fishermen and occasionally sells her body, too. Her latest
guest is equally introvert man, who has just committed a crime. Film charts
their relationship in low-key, hypnotic fashion. Symbolic, raw film is
difficult to watch. First big international success for director Kim, he won
the Netpac prize at the Venice film festival and was nominated for the Golden
Lion. English title: THE ISLE.

Seraphim Falls (2006, USA) C-115m. Scope*** D: David Von Ancken. Starring Pierce Brosnan,
Liam Neeson, Michael Wincott, Ed Lauter, John Robinson, Robert Baker, Kevin
O’Connor, Angelica Huston, Tom Noonan, Xander Berkeley, Wes Studi. John
Toll’s (expectedly) fine cinematography and two arresting lead performances
are main attractions in this post-Civil War western about Neeson’s quest to
find and kill Brosnan in the wilderness, for reasons specified later in the
movie. Rather episodic and obvious in its plotting, but well-worth seeing.
Especially Neeson scores as a man bent on revenge. Cowritten by TV director
Von Ancken.

Serendipity (2001, USA) C-90m.
**½ D: Peter Chelsom. Starring John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven,
Bridget Moynahan, John Corbett, Eugene Levy. Sappy romance about Cusack and
Beckinsale who meet by chance at Bloomingdale’s and fall in love. Since both
are about to be married, they leave it to fate if they ever meet again.
Pretty contrived but still likable thanks to the stars’ performances.

Sergeant Rutlidge (1960, USA) C-118m.
**½ D: John Ford. Starring Woody Strode, Jeffrey Hunter, Constance
Towers, Billie Burke. Interesting but predictable and clichéd western drama
about court-martial of black sergeant Strode, who is accused of having
murdered and raped a white girl. Well-acted, unusual western from one of the
genre’s most prolific directors is overlong and has some comic relief that
doesn’t really work. Not as ground-breaking in its anti-racist message as
some claim it to be, if you consider that 12 ANGRY MEN came three years
earlier. Still, western buffs will like it anyway.

Serial Lover (1998, FRA) C-83m. *½ D: James Huth. Starring
Michèle Laroque, Albert Dupontel, Elise Tielrooy, Michel Vuillermoz, Zinedine
Soualem, Antoine Basler, Gilles Privat. Annoying, derivative black comedy
thinks itself very funny but works only in spurts. 34 year-old Laroque wants to marry
but can't decide whom, so she invites all four candidates to a dinner party.
She ends up with four dead bodies, a devastated flat, two idiotic criminals,
and a very strange police detective. Tries to be as hip as Tarantino's films
(especially PULP FICTION), but is more ridiculous than funny.

Serial
Mom (1994, USA) C-95m. **½ D: John Waters.
Starring Kathleen Turner, Sam Waterston, Ricki Lake, Matthew Lillard, Mary Lo
Catlett, Justin Whalin, Patricia Dunnock, Mink Stole, Patricia Hearst,
Suzanne Somers, Traci Lords. Another one of writer-director Waters’ suburban
fantasies. Perfect housewife Turner would do anything to protect her family
and her values, even kill, which she has been doing with the same care as she
does her household chores. Nobody believes she could be the wanted killer in
the neighborhood. Makes its point early on, but remains funny enough for the
rest of the movie. Turner is terrific, even in unnecessary, predictable
courtroom finale. Waters’ fans shouldn’t be disappointed. That’s his
voice as Ted Bundy on the tape.

Serious Man, A (2009, USA) C-106m. ***½ D: Joel and Ethan Coen. Starring
Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick, Adam Arkin,
Michael Lerner. Another unbeatable concoction by the Coen brothers, this
tragic comedy echoes, maybe even mirrors their masterpiece BARTON FINK
(1991). Conservative Jewish math and physics professor Stuhlbarg feels the
floor under his feet being swept away, when his wife asks for a divorce, one
of his students tries to bribe him and he is in danger of losing his job.
What’s more, he has to contend with an aggressive neighbor and his own
parasitic brother, who lives with them in their early 1960s suburban home.
Film follows his oddyssey as he is trying to keep his demeanor (as a ‘serious
man’), while everything seems to be going down the drain. Brilliantly cast
and acted, especially by Stuhlbarg, film bears the mark of a true genius (or
two, in this case). Photographed by Roger Deakins, score by Carter Burwell.

Sero Hiki no Goshu (1982, JAP) C-61m.
*** D: Isao Takahata. Starring (the voices of) Hideki Sasaki, Fuyumi
Shiraishi, Masashi Amenomori. Intelligent mini-feature by anime master
Takahata, based on a short novel by Kenji Miyazawa. A young cello player, who
is in preparation for an important concert, is visited by several animals who
ask him to teach them music. His initial doubts are blown away when he
realizes how powerful his music can be. Some idyllic animation, with
beautiful classical music, a real find for animation buffs. English titles:
GAUCHE THE CELLIST, GOSHU THE CELLIST.

Serpent, Le (1972, FRA/ITA/GER)
C-113m. Scope ** D: Henri
Verneuil. Starring Yul Brynner, Henry Fonda, Dirk Bogarde, Philippe Noiret,
Michel Bouquet, Martin Held, Farley Granger, Virna Lisi, Guy Tréjan, Marie
Dubois, Elga Andersen, Robert Alda, Herbert Fux. Unnecessarily complicated
thriller about Russian KGB agent Brynner, who asks for political asylum and
intends to disclose some important information to the Americans. Soon, a web
of espionage and intrigues is uncovered that reaches up to the highest
positions. Despite good start, stellar cast and Ennio Morricone’s elaborate
score, this is a dud that’s far too talky and doesn’t thrill. Photographed by
Claude Renoir, cowritten and produced by director Verneuil, whose great films
(LE CORPS DE MON ENNEMI and I… COMME ICARE) were to come out later that
decade. English titles: NIGHT FLIGHT FROM MOSCOW and THE SERPENT.

Serpent and the Rainbow, The (1988, USA) C-98m.
*** D: Wes Craven. Starring Bill Pullman, Cathy Tyson, Zakes Mokae, Paul
Winfield, Brent Jennings, Michael Gough. Pullman plays a scientist who is
sent to Haiti by a pharmaceutical firm, where he is supposed to research a
so-called voodoo powder, which kills people and makes them return from the dead.
Atmospheric, even sweat-inducing chiller makes great use of locations. All
the more creepy when you consider it is based on a true story(!), written
down in the book The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis.

Serpent’s
Egg, The (1977, USA/GER) C-114m. **½ D: Ingmar Bergman. Starring David
Carradine, Liv Ullman, Gert Fröbe, Heinz Bennent. Atmospheric drama set in 1923
Germany, about Jewish circus artist Carradine, who is the prime suspect in a
murder spree investigated by inspector Fröbe. Bravura acting by Ullman,
ingenious directorial touches by Bergman make this a worthwhile experience,
although unpleasant, relentlessly sleazy subject matter weighs it down a lot.
Written by the director. Photography by Sven Nykvist, produced by Dino de
Laurentiis. German
title: DAS SCHLANGENEI.

Serpent Warriors, The (1985, USA/HGK)
C-93m. *½ D: John Howard, Niels Rasmussen. Starring Clint Walker, Eartha
Kitt, Christopher Mitchum, Ann Lockhart, Kathleen Lu. A woman is trying to
find out more about a so-called snake cult, which – as she believes – has
reason to kill her husband, who killed their leader when he was five years
old. Almost incomprehensible trash shamelessly exploits the 1982 Hong Kong
movie CALAMITY OF SNAKES. The scenes from that film – snake attacks and
fights – are furiously filmed. Is that flick available somewhere?!

Serpiente del Mar
(1984, SPA) C-92m. M D: Amando de Ossorio. Starring Timothy Bottoms, Taryn
Power, Jared Martin, Ray Milland, Gérard Tichy, Carole James, Jack Taylor,
León Klimovsky. A giant sea serpent is
terrorizing sailors and tourists, and Bottoms wants to persuade the public
that it really exists, with the help of traumatized tourist Power. Pretty
much as bad as it gets. Sad to say, this was Milland’s last theatrical film
and also BLIND DEAD writer-director de Ossorio’s swan song. English title:
THE SEA SERPENT.

Se Sei Vivo Spara (1967, ITA/SPA) C-117m. Scope ** D: Giulio Questi.
Starring Tomas Milian, Marilù Tolo, Piero Lulli, Milo Quesada, Sancho Gracia,
Ray Lovelock, Frank Brana. Unusual but sluggish western with a cult reputation.
Half-breed Milian is shot by bandits and left for dead. He is saved by two
Indians and prepared for revenge. The cowboys, with Milian’s stash of gold,
have intermediately found refuge in a small town, whose citizens are greedy
and corrupt. Technically barely okay, as it lacks the timing and gusto of
Sergio Leone’s classics. Plot is interesting, but overall film just doesn’t
live up to its artsy, ultra-violent reputation. The Indians are just plain
laughable. Many shorter versions are in existence. Photographed by Franco
delli Colli. Lovelock’s first film. English title: DJANGO, KILL… IF YOU LIVE,
SHOOT!

Session 9 (2001, USA) C-100m. Scope ***½ D: Brad Anderson.
Starring David Caruso, Stephen Gevedon, Paul Guilfoyle, Josh Lucas, Peter
Mullan, Brendan Sexton III. Creepy psycho drama set in a long-abandoned
insane asylum, which was once self-contained and remains an impressive
edifice, where five men sign up to do asbestos removal work. There’s tension among the men from the start, and the eerie
location is sure to bring out their inner demons. Then one of the men
discovers interview tapes (=sessions) with a schizophrenic patient. Not a
horror film per se, this is actually quite real and authentic and has a lot
of day-time scenes, but creates an oppressive sense of horror in you
nevertheless. A rough diamond of a movie that will stay with you for a long
time. Mullan’s performance is excellent. Director Anderson, who cowrote the
picture with costar Gevedon and also edited it, followed this with the
equally fascinating THE MACHINIST (2004).

Setta, La (1990, ITA) C-117m. **½ D:
Michele Soavi. Starring Kelly Curtis, Herbert Lom, Tomas Arana, Mariangela Giordano, Carlo Cassola. Soavi’s third feature is
an almost incomprehensible horror thriller about young teacher Curtis, who
befriends an old man (Lom), not knowing that he is the head of a devilish
sect. Well-filmed and photographed film doesn’t make sense for more than an
hour(!), then finally goes for a ROSEMARY’S BABY-like finale. Cowritten and
coproduced by Dario Argento, who clearly influenced the style (and even plot)
of this thriller. Interesting for horror buffs, others beware of overlength
and lack of logic. English title: THE SECT.

Sette Note in Nero
(1977, ITA) C-93m. **½ D: Lucio Fulci. Starring Jennifer O’Neill,
Gabriele Ferzetti, Marc Porel, Gianni Garko, Evelyn Stewart (=Ida Galli),
Jenny Tamburi. Okay thriller about clairvoyant O’Neill, who has frightening
visions of dead people, and she is trying to find out if a crime really
happened and who did it. Rather talky, but interesting, especially after surprising twist.
O’Neill is good, as is main theme (referenced in KILL BILL). Story
and screenplay by director Fulci, Roberto Gianviti and Dardano Sacchetti. Remade in India(!) in 1991 (as
100 DAYS). English titles: SEVEN NOTES IN BLACK, MURDER TO THE TUNE OF THE
SEVEN BLACK NOTES, and THE PSYCHIC.

Sette Winchester per un Massacro (1968, ITA) C-98m. Scope ** D: E.G. Rowland (=Enzo
G. Castellari). Starring Edd Byrnes, Guy Madison, Ennio Girolami, Luisa
Baratto, Piero Vida. Cheap, forgettable spaghetti western about a bunch of outlaws led by
ex-colonel Madison, who are infiltrated by soldier Byrnes. Photography,
direction are not bad, but plot is way overlong. Some interesting horror
elements in the showdown at an Indian cemetery. Also known as BLAKE’S
MARAUDERS, PAYMENT IN BLOOD and WINCHESTER FOR HIRE.

7, Hyden Park. La Casa Maledetta (1985, ITA) C-89m. **½ D: Martin Herbert
(=Alberto De Martino). Starring David Warbeck, Carroll Blumenberg, Christina
Nagy, Rossano Brazzi, Andrea Bosic. Director De Martino’s last film is a
direct descendant of the giallo, about paralyzed woman Blumenberg, who falls
in love with her therapist Warbeck but must contend with haunting memories of
a priest who raped her as a little child. Now the nightmare seems to return…
is someone trying to drive her mad? Intriguing (if somewhat familiar) mystery
thriller is too sloppily made, although the attack scenes are not bad. Fans
of Italian thrillers should give this one a look. English title: FORMULA FOR
A MURDER.

Settima Donna, La
(1978, ITA) C-86m. SCOPE *½ D: Franco Prosperi. Starring Florinda
Bolkan, Ray Lovelock, Flavio Andreini, Stefano Cedrati, Sherry Buchanan. Three bankrobbers on the run find
refuge in a villa inhabited by sister Bolkan and her theater troupe of girls.
There is violence, nudity, rape, murder and, ultimately, revenge.Basically just another poorly plotted LAST
HOUSE ON THE LEFT (1972) ripoff with ridiculous bonding scenes. Also known as
THE LAST HOUSE ON THE BEACH, and TERROR.

Se7en (1995, USA) C-127m. Scope
*** D: David Fincher. Starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey,
Gwyneth Paltrow, R. Lee Ermey, Richard Roundtree, Richard Schiff. Moody, oppressively
atmospheric thriller about weary cop Freeman, who is about to be replaced by
hot-shot Pitt, when a murder series grips the gloomy city. It seems the
killer is re-enacting the Seven Deadly Sins, in ultra-disgusting fashion.
Gripping cult thriller drains out almost all colors, but its plot is
fascinating and so is its artistic approach. Incredibly tense finale the
highlight. Score by Howard Shore, photographed by Darius Khondji. From the
director of FIGHT CLUB (1999).

Seven Years in Tibet (1997, USA) C-136m. Scope *** D: Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Starring Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, B.D. Wong, Mako, Danny Denzongpa, Victor
Wong. Epic-scale adventure based on the real-life adventures of the Austrian
mountaineer Heinrich Harrer (well-impersonated by Pitt), whose excursion to
Tibet in 1939 is overshadowed by the outbreak of World War Two in Europe. He
meets the 14-year-old Dalai Lama in the course of his adventures and becomes
his friend. Very-well photographed, breathtaking locations, this drama also
holds up in terms of plot.

Severance (2006, GBR/GER) C-94m. **½ D: Christopher Smith.
Starring Toby Stephens, Claudie Blakley, Andy Nyman, Babou Ceesay, Tim
McInnerny, Laura Harris, Danny Dyer, David Gilliam. A group of employees of a
weapons manufacturer are headed towards a team-building weekend in the
Hungarian forests off Budapest. However, instead of the luxury lodge they
find a derelict asylum, and there’s some mad Russians on the loose, ready to
kill. Horror film along the lines of HOSTEL (2005) has its moments but it
doesn’t know whether it wants to be taken seriously or not. Horror fans will
probably find this appealing. Cowritten by director Smith (CREEP).

Sexo Caníbal (1981, SPA/GER/FRA) C-87m. ** D: Jess Franco.
Starring Al Cliver, Sabrina Siani, Jérôme Foulon, Shirley Knight, Jess
Franco. Notorious Jess Franco’s version of cannibal exploitation is
surprisingly ambitious. On an expedition down the Amazon, scientist Cliver
loses his wife to a cannibal tribe, which abducts his little daughter.
Following memory loss, Cliver travels there again (ten years later) only to discover
that his daughter has become the cannibal tribe’s ‘white goddess’. Plot drags
terribly in mid-section, but cannibal scenes are stylishly done (in
slow-motion and with eerie sound effects) and film generally boasts
atmospheric camerawork. For Franco completists. Also known as BARBARIAN
GODDESS, CANNIBALS, MONDO CANNIBALE, WHITE CANNIBAL QUEEN and DIE BLONDE
GÖTTIN.

Sexy Beast (2000, GBR/SPA)
C-89m. Scope *** D:
Jonathan Glazer. Starring Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane, Amanda
Redman, James Fox. ‘Retired’ crook Winstone is living the good life in Spain,
when he is visited by former associate Kingsley who tries to talk him into
making a comeback for a London heist. Winstone sees no reason to leave his
luxurious finca, but Kingsley refuses to accept a no. A psycho battle between
the men ensues. Strikingly directed thriller with an unhinged Kingsley
performance, a stylish debut for director Glazer (BIRTH). Might reach cult
film status in years to come.

Sfida dei Giganti, La (1965, ITA) C-85m. Scope **½ D: Maurice Bright
(=Maurizio Lucidi). Starring Reg Park, Gia Sandri, Giovanni Gianfriglia,
Audrey Amber (=Adriana Ambesi), Luigi Barbini, Franco Ressel. One of the very last
peplum epics, this one is among the most violent. Hercules (Park) must enter
the underworld to get a cure for his son, who has lost his mind in a lion
attack. Meanwhile, the widowed queen of Syracuse is looking for Hercules to
help her get rid of the men who have come to woo her, but ends up with
Hercules’ evil half-brother. Starts out bland, with production values
slightly below standard, but when Herc goes to Hades, film picks up. Entire scenes lifted off Mario
Bava’s classic ERCOLE AL CENTRO DELLA TERRA (1961) and probably also SODOM E
GOMORRAH (1962). For Hercules fans. English title: HERCULE THE AVENGER.

Shadow Dancer, The (2005, GBR/ITA/FRA)
C-100m. Scope ** D: Brad
Mirman. Starring Joshua Jackson, Harvey Keitel, Claire Forlani, John
Rhys-Davies, Giancarlo Giannini, Armando Pucci. By-the-numbers romantic
comedy drama about retired writer Keitel, who’s living the good life in
Tuscany, Italy, when greenhorn Jackson is sent to persuade him to make a
comeback. Naturally, initial contempt for each other turns into friendship,
and love also plays a role in this contrivance. Not bad, with an impressive
cast and some beautiful Italian architecture. Written by the director. Also
known as SHADOWS IN THE SUN (whatever that is supposed to mean).

Shadow of the Vampire (2000, GBR/USA/LUX)
C-92m. *** D: E. Elias Merhige. Starring John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Cary Elwes, Aden Gillett, Eddie
Izzard, Udo Kier, Catherine McCormack. Original, interesting drama
recounts (fictionally) the events surrounding the filming of F.W. Murnau’s
silent horror classic NOSFERATU (1922). Center of interest is enigmatic actor
Max Schreck (Dafoe), who scares the crew, as he seems to believe to be a
vampire himself. Good performances by Malkovich and Dafoe, although film
sometimes suffers from an underdeveloped script, which should have been about
more than just Schreck. Good score by Dan Jones.

Shadow Whip, The (1971, HGK) C-78m. Scope
**½ D: Lo Wei. Starring Cheng Pei-Pei, Ho Li Jen, Samo Hung, Kao Ming, Ku
Feng, Lo Wei. Shaw Brothers eastern made by director Lo Wei just before he
directed Bruce Lee in his breakthrough films. A gang of ruthless assassins
are looking for a whip master, who has been in hiding for ten years. His
daughter, similarly masterful in handling the whip ties to defend his hiding
place. Nice wintry setting, rousing sword fights, okay of its type.

Shadrach (1998, USA) C-86m.
*** D: Susanna Styron. Starring Harvey Keitel, Andie MacDowell, John
Franklin Sawyer, Scott Terra, Danny Treat, Edward Bunker, narrated by Martin
Sheen. Slight but authentic Americana set in 1935 Virginia, where
ten-year-old boy Terra has a memorable encounter with former slave Sawyer,
who has returned to his homeland, wanting to be buried there. Quiet,
leisurely paced but nicely done, with good performances all around. Based on
the short story by William Styron, the director’s father.

Shaft (1971, USA) C-100m. **½ D:
Gordon Parks. Starring Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn, Charles Cioffi,
Christopher St. John, Drew Bundini Brown, Gwenn Mitchell, Lawrence Pressman,
Antonio Fargas. A milestone in blaxploitation cinema, this action thriller
became one of the genre’s biggest hits and remains a cult film today. Black
private detective John Shaft (Roundtree) investigates the kidnapping of the
daughter of crime kingpin Gunn. Slow pace, lack of action and suspense do
much to lessen film’s effect, however, the emphasis is on coolness! Oscar-winner
for Isaac Hayes’ main theme. Followed by two immediate sequels, beginning
with SHAFT’S BIG SCORE!, and a quasi-remake in 2000 starring Samuel L.
Jackson in the title role.

Shaft (2000, USA) C-99m. Scope **½ D: John Singleton.
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Vanessa L. Williams, Jeffrey Wright, Christian
Bale, Busta Rhymes, Dan Hedaya, Toni Collette, Richard Roundtree.
Quasi-remake of the 1971 cult classic about private detective John Shaft
(Jackson) and his obsession with pinning down elusive rich brat Bale, who has
killed an Afro-American. Stylishly filmed, cool thriller that tries to
camouflage plot deficiencies with lots of explosions and shoot-outs, as well
as an extensive use of Isaac Hayes’ original title theme. Interest wanes
dangerously in final third (unless you are delighted by the car chases).
Richard Roundtree appears as ‘Uncle’ John Shaft. Cowritten by director
Singleton.

Shaft’s Big Score! (1972, USA) C-104m. Scope *** D: Gordon Parks.
Starring Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn, Drew Bundini Brown, Joseph Mascolo,
Kathy Imrie, Wally Taylor, Joe Santos. Private eye Shaft (Roundtree) returns
in this sequel, battling a crime syndicate which is responsible for the
murder of a close friend. A definite improvement over the original, as this
entry has more atmosphere, more action and a tighter plot. Watch out for that
finale! Followed by SHAFT IN AFRICA.

Shaft in Africa (1973, USA) C-112m. Scope *** D: John Guillermin. Starring Richard
Roundtree, Frank Finlay, Vonetta McGee, Neda Arneric, Cy Grant, Jacques
Herlin, Jacques Marin. The most violent of the action film series has Shaft
undergo training in order to go to Africa to stop slave-traders who have been
shipping blacks to France. Roundtree is both smooth and vicious as usual. Perhaps
the pinnacle of blaxploitation, and if not, certainly made at the time when
the movement and its influence on contemporary cinema was strongest: For
example, that same year James Bond had to fight a black villain in LIVE AND
LET DIE. Not for the squeamish. The German version was cut by seven minutes.
Written by Sterling Silliphant. Followed by a television series and the
remake in 2000.

Shakespeare in Love (1998, GBR) C-122m. Scope *** D: John Madden.
Starring Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Judi Dench, Geoffrey Rush, Colin
Firth, Ben Affleck, Rupert Everett. In 1593 Will Shakespeare (Fiennes)
suffers a writing blockade and is cured from it by a beautiful young lady
(Paltrow), who becomes his mistress and muse. Shakespeare immediately starts
writing ‘Romeo and Juliet’, but their love, it seems, is not to last. Time
period nicely captured, although there is a distinctive 1990s flavor to the
film that it just can’t rub off. The two lead actors breathe life into the
cute and a little uninspired story. Shakespeare purists may object to this
fictional account of the Bard’s love life. Oscars went to Tom Stoppard and
Marc Norman for their sharp, witty script, Judi Dench for her (small) role as
Queen Elizabeth, and to the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow. The Academy Award for
Best Picture seems like a surprise, however, considering the competition that
year (THE THIN RED LINE, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN).

Shallow Grave (1994, GBR) C-93m.
*** D: Danny Boyle. Starring Kerry Fox, Christopher Ecclestone, Ewan
McGregor, Ken Stott. Nifty little thriller about three friends, who live
together in a large apartment. When they find their newest roommate dead –
and a suitcase full of money under the bed – they decide to keep the money
and bury the corpse. However, their triangular relationship is put to an
extreme test. Good, not great directorial debut of TRAINSPOTTING director
Boyle. Nothing special, but well-made thriller in the vein of BLOOD SIMPLE.
Score by Simon Boswell.

Shanghai Triad (1995, ROC/FRA)
C-109m. *** D: Zhang Yimou. Starring Gong Li, Li Baotian, Li Suejian,
Shun Chun, Wang Xiao Xiao. Extraordinary film (by an extraordinary filmmaker)
about young boy who comes to Shanghai to serve mistress of the head of an
underworld organization. Stunningly filmed gangster drama looks almost too
beautiful, every frame is a masterful composition. Plot has its weaknesses,
especially in deciding which character to focus on, the mistress’s or the
boy’s. The latter is not convincingly portrayed. Gong Li is fine as singer,
who realizes only after some time (in contrast to the boy, who learns in a
matter of days) that the underworld is mean and cruel. The wrapping is more
interesting than the content, so to speak.

Shaolin Death Squad (1977, HGK) C-84m. Scope *½ D: Joseph Kuo (=Kuo
Nanhung). Starring
Carter Wang, Ku Lung, Yang Wei. A despotic ruler sends two fighters after a
supposedly rebellious general, who takes refuge in a shaolin monastery. Poor eastern
completely disregards characterization and offers nonstop action. This
becomes tedious after a while, especially because the fight scenes are rather
lame. Original version runs longer, the German video version lacked all
credits.

Shaolin Master and the Kid (1980, HGK) C-92m. Scope ** D: Jen Yao-Tung. Starring Yeuh Hua, Tang
Fei, Chen Sheng. A shaolin master, who is travelling through the country with
a small kid, is pursued by a group of men who want to kill him. Episodic
eastern with typical revenge motives utilizes themes from other movies, even
a beautiful score sequence by Ennio Morricone!

Shao-lin Si Di Si (1982, HGK/ROC) C-81m. Scope ** D: Hsu Sen, Leung
Wing-Tai. Starring Zhang Feng-Yi, Wang Yiu-Pin, Wang Yi. A thief is after
Buddha’s tooth, which has been purloined from a monastery. Standard eastern
comes up with ok choreography and is quite entertaining, but plot is
petty and boring. Original version may run a bit longer.

Shaolin Temple (1976, HGK) C-83m. Scope *½ D: Chang Cheh. Starring
David Chiang, Alexander Fu-Sheng, Ti Lung, Chi Kuan-Chun. Below-average
eastern about several youngsters who yearn to be taught the skill of Kung Fu
in a Shaolin temple and eventually defend it against Manchu warriors after
receiving a profound education. Action is restricted to the final twenty
minutes. You might fall asleep before that, unless you are terribly
interested in how Kung Fu is taught. Director Cheh has done better.

Shaolin Wooden Men (1976, HGK) C-101m.Scope **½ D: Lo Wei, Chen Chi-Hwa. Starring
Jackie Chan, Kim Kong, Lung Yuen. After witnessing the murder of his father as a
child, Chan is traumatized (unable to speak) and enters a Shaolin monastery
to learn the art of Kung-Fu. He is taught by a mysterious prisoner in the
monastery’s dungeon. Poorly paced but more serious than other Chan vehicles,
this one takes its time but offers many explosive fights. Not bad,
recommended to fans. Best bit: The Wooden Men challenge. Also known as
SHAOLIN CHAMBER OF DEATH and 36 WOODEN MEN.

Shark
Bait (2006, USA/KOR) C-77m. ** D:
Howard E. Baker, John Fox. Starring (the voices of) Freddie Prinze Jr., Rob
Schneider, Evan Rachel Wood, Donal Logue, Andy Dick, Fran Drescher, John
Rhys-Davies, R. Lee Ermey. Animated feature about a little fish on a coral
reef, who loses his parents early in life, has trouble with sharks, falls in
love and meets a mysterious turtle. Plot and design is awfully similar to
that of FINDING NEMO (2003), but story consists only of loosely related
vignettes. An okay view for kids, adults will find this rather poor. Also known as THE REEF, and
PI’S STORY.

Shark Tale (2004, USA) C-90m. *** D: Bibo
Bergeron, Vicky Jenson, Rob Letterman. Starring (the voices of) Will
Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Martin
Scorsese, Ziggy Marley, Doug E. Doug, Peter Falk, Christina Aguilera. Funny
underwater comedy (a Best Animated Feature nominee) about a fast-talking fish
named Oscar (voiced by Will Smith) who yearns for fame and money in the
underwater city where he lives. Then he gets mixed up with the mob (sharks
voiced by De Niro et al) and their shy offspring. Hilarious ideas, engaging
plot, this can stand comparison to FINDING NEMO (2003), although some saw
this as a rip-off.

Shatter (1974, GBR/HGK) C-90m. M D: Monte Hellman, Michael
Carreras. Starring Stuart Whitman, Ti Lung, Li Li-Li, Peter Cushing, Anton
Diffring, Lo Wei. Godawful thriller set in Hong Kong, about international
assassin Whitman, who kills an important African politician and finds himself
double-crossed by those that hired him. Hong Kong itself is a dangerous place
for a hitman. Talky, leaden film whose troubled production really shows.
Director Hellman was replaced by producer Carreras. The second and last Hong
Kong venture of Hammer Films. Cushing’s role is merely an artificial
cameo. The Italians made these kinds of films in the mid-1960s! Alternative
title: CALL HIM MR. SHATTER.

Shaun of the Dead (2004, GBR) C-99m. Scope *** D: Edgar Wright.
Starring Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Nick Frost, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Edgar
Wright. Hellishly funny horror comedy which bases its plot outline on George
Romero’s NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968) and its sequel DAWN OF THE DEAD
(1978). Pegg’s life is at a crossroads: He is stuck in a low-paid job, his
roommate is a parasite, and his girlfriend Ashfield is giving him trouble. No
wonder he’s not paying attention when London starts being gripped by a zombie
epidemic. When he does notice the chaos, he can finally prove what he’s
worth. Well-directed, often hilarious horror spoof with a knock-out
performance by Pegg. Also works in serious sequences, an instant cult hit.
Screenplay (by Pegg and the director himself) is a great homage to cult
movies.

Shawshank Redemption, The (1994, USA) C-142m.
***½ D: Frank Darabont. Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton,
William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, James Whitmore.
Emotionally powerful prison drama about innocent banker Robbins, who is
convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank correctional facility serving a life
sentence. The intelligent prisoner manages to make friends among the fellow
inmates (most notably narrator Freeman) and even the prison personnel, who
eagerly embrace Robbins’ financial advice. Exquisitely filmed epic deals with
twenty years of prison life and strikes all the right notes. Fine
performances, good direction and photography (by Coen-regular Roger Deakins),
an excellent score (by Thomas Newman) and a thoughtful script (based on
Stephen King’s short story ‘Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption’) make
this one of the most engrossing pictures of the 1990s. Freeman’s voice-over
narration is especially lyrical and touching. This was Robbins fourth great
movie role after JACOB’S LADDER (1990), BOB ROBERTS (1992) and THE HUDSUCKER
PROXY (1994). He went on to direct DEAD MAN WALKING (1995), also a film about
a prison inmate. Written by director Darabont. Nominated for 7 Academy
Awards, but (undeservedly) didn’t win any.

She (1965, GBR) C-106m. Scope **½ D: Robert Day. Starring
Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, Bernard Cribbins, John Richardson, Rosenda
Monteros, Christopher Lee. Typically earnest British adaptation of H. Rider
Haggard’s fantasy novel about three British gentlemen, who venture through
the desert and discover mysterious kingdom ruled by beautiful Andress, who’s
immortal. Colorful adventure with second-rate plot and superficial
characters. Photographed by Harry Waxman. Seventh(!) film version of the
story, remade twice since. Followed by a sequel in 1968 (THE VENGEANCE OF
SHE).

Sheba, Baby (1975, USA) C-90m.
** D: William Girdler. Starring Pam Grier, Austin Stoker, D’Urville
Martin, Rudy Challenger. Grier plays a police-woman-turned-private-eye in
this okay action movie. She tries to find out who is behind the threats
against her father’s loan office in Chicago. Good music, some effective
action scenes, but revenge formula had worn thin by then. Basically just a
retread of Grier’s earlier movies like FRIDAY FOSTER, COFFY or FOXY BROWN.

She-Devil (1989, USA) C-99m.
**½ D: Susan Seidelman. Starring Meryl Streep, Roseanne Barr, Ed Begley
Jr., Linda Hunt, Sylvia Miles, Elizabeth Peters. Roseanne plays an ugly
housewife, who – after her husband walks out on her – decides to ruin his
life. Farce in the WAR OF THE ROSES-vein is not always funny but quite
amusing, especially Streep’s portrayal of the neurotic romance writer,
Roseanne’s nemesis. A cult film for frustrated housewives. Based on Fay
Weldon’s novel.

Sherlock Holmes (2009, USA/GER) C-128m. SCOPE *** D: Guy Ritchie. Starring
Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan,
Robert Maillet, James Fox. Super-stylish revival of the legendary detective,
ironically portrayed by Downey Jr. Plot concerns occult society run by
Strong, who follows a mysterious (supernatural?) plan to overthrow the
government. Holmes’ assistant Law is planning to marry, and Holmes himself is
faced with the involvement of his ex-wife McAdams. Performed with gusto among
great sets, but best thing about this slightly overlong period piece is Hans
Zimmer’s brilliant score. Sequels most welcome!

She’s All That (1999, USA) C-95m.
**½ D: Robert Iscove. Starring Freddie Prinze, Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook,
Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Jody Lin O’Keefe, Kevin Pollak, Anna Paquin, Kieran
Culkin, Tim Matheson, Alexis Arquette, Sarah Michelle Gellar. Utterly
predictable but entertaining teen romance about high school hunk Prinze, Jr.,
and a bet that forces him to turn ugly duckling Cook into the prom queen. Of
course, he falls in love with her, and it turns out she’s not so bad looking
as everybody thought. Considering the plot, this is as good as it could get.

She's the One (1996, USA) C-96m.
** D: Edward Burns. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Edward
Burns, John Mahoney, Maxine Bahns, Mike McGlone, Leslie Mann, Anita Gillette,
Frank Vincent. Supposedly hip and unusual romantic comedy focusing on two
dissimilar brothers, one of whom is married but cheats on his wife (Aniston),
and the other marries a woman after knowing her for 24 hours. Quite amusing,
if not altogether believable plot complications ensue. Characters are hardly
likable (except Aniston's) and film's funny, off-beat tone fades out in
unsatisfactory finale. Executive produced by Robert Redford. The songs are by
Tom Petty.

Shikoku (1999, JAP) C-100m. *** D:
Shunichi Nagasaki. Starring Yui Natsukawa, Michitaka Tsutsui, Chiaki
Kuriyama, Toshie Negishi, Ren Osugi. Unusual romantic horror film, a mystery
chiller in the new Japanese tradition: After twenty years, Tsutsui returns to
her hometown and friends, but must learn that one of her best friends has
died. It turns out that her mother has initiated a rite that could bring her
back from the dead – and other dead people with it. Much less spectacular
than it sounds, often uneven and slowly paced, but still fascinating to
watch. Good score, elaborate photography, impressive mystical finale, should
appeal to horror fans, despite its drawbacks. From the producer of RINGU
(1998).

Shinkansen Daibakuha (1975, JAP) C-152m. Scope **½ D: Junya Sato. Starring
Ken Takakura, Shinichi Chiba (=Sonny Chiba), Kei Yamamoto, Eiji Go, Akira
Oda, Raita Ryu, Takashi Shimura. Japanese disaster movie that – despite being
an imitation of Irwin Allen’s movies at the time – later served as a
blueprint for SPEED (1994). A criminal and his assistants have put a bomb on
a high-speed train that will detonate if it slows down below 80km/h (roughly
50 mph). Police and railway officials desperately try to keep the crew calm
and find the gangsters before the bomb kills 1,500 passengers. Unlike
American disaster movies, this is rather uninterested in the victims but
focuses on the criminals and the officials. Surprisingly thoughtful, fairly
exciting and kinda cool, despite length and relative lack of action. Also
shown at 100m. and 115m. English title: THE BULLET TRAIN.

Ship of Fools (1965, USA) 149m.
*** D: Stanley Kramer. Starring Vivien Leigh, Oskar Werner, Simone
Signoret, José Ferrer, Lee Marvin, Jose Greco, George Segal, Heinz Rühmann,
Michael Dunn. Famous adaptation of Katherine Anne Porter’s novel about
diverse characters aboard a cruise ship from Mexico to pre-WW2 Germany.
Superbly acted drama GRAND HOTEL-style seems to have deteriorated over the
years. Some pretentious dialogue, artificial situations in supposed classic
that seems like it was made in the early 1950s. Good black-and-white
photography by Ernest Laszlo (he won an Academy Award). Score by Ernest Gold.

Shipping News, The (2001, USA) C-111m. Scope *** D: Lasse Hallström.
Starring Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Pete
Postlethwaite, Scott Glenn, Rhys Ifans. Engrossing drama, adapted from the
novel by E. Annie Proulx. After a disastrous marriage Spacey has lost most of
his self confidence. One day he is visited by his aunt Dench, who takes him
and his daughter to the home of their ancestors, Newfoundland. This marks a
unique chance for Spacey to start a new life. Good storytelling, fine
performances; some plot strands are underdeveloped, though. Excellent score
by Christopher Young, good photography by Oliver Stapleton.

Shisha no Gakuensai (2000, JAP) C-101m. ** D: Tetsuo Shinohara. Starring Kyôko
Fukada, Asahi Uchida, Masaya Kato, Thane Camus. Thriller set a Japanese high
school, where a girl has just committed suicide and some students want to
stage her last play. Then a killer starts stalking them. Poorly paced and
timed film makes some interesting reference to slasher movies, especially
Italian ones, but romantic, TV-movie-style touch pretty much ruins it. Based
on a novel by Jirô Akagawa. International title SCHOOL DAY OF THE DEAD is
terribly misleading.

Shiver (2008,
SPA) C-95m. **½ D: Isidro Ortiz. Starring Junio Valverde, Blanca
Suárez, Jimmy Barnatán, Mar Sodupe, Francesc Orella. A teenager (Valverde)
with a rare allergy to sunlight moves with his mother into a mountain
village. Once there he is confronted with a murderous beast in the woods. And
the townspeople don’t seem to like strangers very much...Fairly suspenseful and well-made, but plot
is second-rate and turns into a BLAIR WITCH PROJECT meets [REC] type of film.
Valverde has a great way of looking terrified, but even that wears thin. Also
known as ESKALOFRIO.

Shivers (1975, CDN) C-80m. *½ D:
David Cronenberg. Starring Paul Hampton, Joe Silver, Lynn Lowry, Allen
Magicovsky, Barbara Steele, Susan Petrie. Cult director Cronenberg’s second
feature (following a 1969 film that ran little over an hour) starts promising
but doesn’t go beyond its premise of ugly worm-like parasites turning people
into sex maniacs. Film’s twisted sense of humor won’t have anyone laughing
but horror fans. Not really that disgusting, though. Produced by Ivan Reitman
(who also composed the score).Originally 87m. Other titles: THEY CAME
FROM WITHIN and THE PARASITE MURDERS.

Shogun Assassin (1980, JAP/USA) C-86m. SCOPE **½ D: Robert Houston. Starring
Tomisaburo Wakayama, Kayo Matsuo, Minoru Okhi, Akiji Kobayashi, Shin Kishida,
Akiji Tomikawa. Actually not a movie on its own but a compilation of the
first two of the famous LONE WOLF & CUB series about a travelling
assassin, who has fallen from grace and is being chased by shogun warriors.
He is pushing his baby son in a cart and engages in combat in all kinds of
situations. Some astounding action scenes, with buckets of gore, but it’s
terribly uneven, the pace is just not right. You should stick with the
originals. A follow-up to LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH (1974), which used
footage from the third movie in the six-part series.

Shooting Fish (1997, GBR) C-112m. Scope **½ D: Stefan Schwartz. Starring Dan Futterman,
Stuart Townsend, Kate Beckinsale, Claire Cox, Dominic Mafham. Likable,
superficial comedy about two friends (American Futterman and British
Townsend) who 'earn' money by 'shooting fish', ripping people off by selling
them things which don't exist. Beckinsale, their new secretary, provides the
love interest. She thinks they are modern-day Robin Hoods, giving the money
to orphanages. No depth whatsoever, but quite entertaining. At its best when
portraying the budding relationship between Townsend and Beckinsale. Released
in the U.S. at 93m.

Shopgirl (2005, USA/GBR/SUI)
C-104m. Scope **½ D: Anand
Tucker. Starring Claire Danes, Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman, Bridgette
Wilson, Sam Bottoms, Frances Conroy, Rebecca Pidgeon. Romantic comedy drama
about a girl from Vermont (Danes), who’s been living in Los Angeles for a
while now, working as a shop assistant at Saeks. Then she finds herself
caught between two men, disorganized music lover Schwartzman and suave
rich-man Martin. Film is pretty much what it is. A harmless drama with okay
performances, not very romantic, rather predictable. Written by Steve Martin,
based on his own novella.

Shorts (2009,
USA/UAE) C-89m. *** D: Robert Rodriguez. Starring Jimmy Bennett, Jake
Short, Kat Dennings, Trevor Gagnon, Devon Gearhart, Jolie Vanier, Rebel
Rodriguez, Leo Howard, Leslie Mann, Jon Cryer, William H. Macy, James Spader.
Typically outrageous children’s fantasy by the maker of the SPY KIDS films
about an outsider, who finds a wishing rock and wishes for the craziest
things imaginable. The story is told in five short episodes (hence the
title), but beware, not chronologically. Still, entertaining, exciting and
filled with creative ideas, a thrill-ride, especially for boys. Vanier is
terrific, she’ll remind you of a young Christina Ricci. Long title: SHORTS:
THE ADVENTURES OF THE WISHING ROCK.

Shot in the Dark, A (1964, GBR/USA)
C-102m. Scope *** D: Blake
Edwards. Starring Peter Sellers, Elke Sommer, George Sanders, Herbert Lom,
Tracy Reed, Graham Stark, Burt Kwouk, Bryan Forbes. The bumbling inspector
Clouseau from Edwards’ THE PINK PANTHER returns in this farcical comedy based
on the play L’Idiot by Marcel Achard. He falls in love with the prime
suspect (Sommer) in a murder case and is convinced that landlord Sanders has
committed the crime. Stagy, uneven, not always funny, but most of the gags
hit home. Some even consider this to be the best of the series. Good song
(“Sidewalks of Paris”), score by Henry Mancini. Cowritten by William Peter
Blatty (THE EXORCIST, THE NINTH CONFIGURATION). Features the first
appearances of Clouseau-associated (and much-loved) characters Cato (Kwouk)
and Dreyfus (Lom). Followed ten years later by THE RETURN OF THE PINK
PANTHER. INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU, a film starring Alan Arkin, was made in 1968 but
has nothing to do with the series.

Show Down (1972, HGK) C-81m. Scope ** D: N.N. Cast: N.N. A
stranger saves a young woman from a raiding army and brings her to an inn,
where he meets the woman he is supposed to marry. He discovers that her
family is a band of ‘ghost-riders’. Comic-book style eastern with very little
action but an ambitious plot whose elements are only loosely tied together.
Nicely shot, though, from unusual perspectives. Produced by Goh Thian Teng.

Show Down (1997, USA) C-99m. M D: Sidney J. Furie.
Starring Peter Weller, Dennis Hopper, Tia Carrere, David Alan Grier, Joe
Pantoliano, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Peter Coyote, Julie McCullough. Absolutely
horrible action film about ex-con (and ex-cop!) Weller who goes to Las Vegas
with his wife Carrere to get a divorce, but soon he is involved in a
big-scale robbery of Hopper’s casino! Set-up is okay but goes nowhere from
there. The cast is the only interest here.

Showgirls (1995, USA) C-131m. Scope **½ D: Paul Verhoeven.
Starring Elizabeth Berkeley, Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon, Glenn Plummer,
Robert Davi, Alan Rachins, Gina Ravera, Lin Tucci, Greg Travis, Al Ruscio,
Patrick Bristow. Self-professed dancer Berkeley arrives in Las Vegas and works herself
up on the career ladder, meeting all kinds of lurid characters on the way.
Long, trashy plot is partly offset by the aggressive ‘neon’ look of the film
and Verhoeven’s terrific direction (particularly during the dance scenes).
Earned hisses from many critics, and it is offensive and overblown,
but this is just the way Las Vegas is. Berkeley’s vicious performance may be
off-putting to some viewers, MacLachlan is cool as one of her ‘mentors’. Joe
Eszterhas (BASIC INSTINCT) wrote the screenplay. Verhoeven was the right man
to make this; evidently, it’s a matter of taste (like most of the director’s
films).

Shrek (2001, USA) C-90m. *** D:
Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson. Starring (the voices of) Mike Myers, Eddie
Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Jim Cummings. Big
box-office smash about an ogre (Myers), who only wants to be left in peace in
his swamp, and must accept a mission by evil count Lithgow to rescue a
princess to get just that. Well-animated, funny fairy tale spoof. Good for
kids, although only adults will get all of the jokes. Based on the book by
William Steig. Winner of the first Best Animated Feature Oscar. Followed by a
sequel in 2004.

Shrek
2 (2004, USA) C-92m. *** D: Andrew Adamson,
Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon. Starring (the voices of) Mike Myers, Eddie
Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Rupert
Everett, Jennifer Saunders, Larry King. Shrek the Ogre returns in this
bigger, more spectacular sequel as he and his bride get an invitation to her
parents’ kingdom. There, Prince Charming thinks he has been cheated out of
his right to wed the princess, his mother, the Fairy Godmother, tries all her
wizardry to bring Shrek and Fiona apart. Less original and cute, but still
somehow seems better, more lively. There are certainly more jokes, although
most of them are aimed at grown-ups (again).

Shrek the Third (2007, USA) C-92m.
**½ D: Chris Miller. Starring (the voices of) Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy,
Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Rupert Everett,
Eric Idle, Justin Timberlake, Larry King, Ian McShane. Lesser sequel
continues story from SHREK 2 (2004): With Shrek and Fiona still being in the
kingdom of Far, Far Away, Shrek will become successor to the dying king if he
doesn’t find distant relative. In the meantime, Prince Charming is gathering
all fairy-tale villains to create their own happy ending. And Fiona announces
she is pregnant! Still funny enough for a few laughs, but plot is lacking
momentum and just seems like a retread of the formula.

Shrieker (1997, USA) C-74m.
** D: Victoria Sloane (= David DeCoteau). Starring Rick Bouna, Chris
Boyd, Roger Crowe, Alison Cuffe, Tanya Dempsey, Jamie Gannon. A mystical
creature roams the halls of a deserted hospital, where six students have
illegally taken residence. It turns out the ugly monster needs five victims
to return into its dimension. Not bad horror thriller delivers a few shocks
and is quite well-filmed, though abrupt conclusion decreases rating by half a
star. Produced by Full Moon Pictures.

Shurayukihime (1973, JAP) C-97m. Scope*** D: Toshiya Fujita. Starring Meiko Kaji, Toshio
Kurosawa, Masaaki Daimon, Miyoko Akaza, Shinichi Uchida. Japanese revenge
epic that served as a blueprint for Quentin Tarantino’s KILL BILL movies.
Kaji is a 20-year-old woman, who is driven by revenge that she must exact for
her mother who died giving birth to her. Four people had raped and abused her
for three days and it is those that she must seek out and kill. Cold but
powerful movie with purple-prose narrative, excessive use of gore and good
widescreen photography. Followed by a sequel in 1974. English titles: LADY
SNOWBLOOD, BLOOD SNOW, SNOW OF BLOOD.

Shura Yukihime (2001, JAP) C-93m. ** D: Shinsuke Sato. Starring Hideaki Ito,
Yumiko Shaku, Shirô Sano, Yoichi Numata, Kyusaku Shimada. Manga adaptation
about a 20-year-old warrior “princess”, who must come to terms with her
family’s dark history and decide whether she wants to keep being part of or
run from underground syndicate which works as an assassination squad for the
Japanese monarchy in the year 2500. Highly uneven mixture between action
fantasy and low-budget post-apocalyptic drama. The action is good but the
story doesn’t add up to much. Has very little to do with the 1973 revenge
classic. English title: THE PRINCESS BLADE.

Shutter (2004, THA) C-97m. *** D:
Parkpoom Wongpoom, Banjong Pisanthanakun. Starring Ananda Everingham,
Natthaweeranuch Thongmee, Achita Sikamana, Unnop Chanpaibool. After a
hit-and-run accident on the road, a young couple, photographer Everingham and
his girlfriend, are haunted by the ghost of the dead girl, who starts
appearing on his photographs. The ‘haunting’-plot has become a genre
convention, but film is well-directed, atmospheric and endowed with a superb
score. Watch! Also known as SHUTTER: THEY ARE AROUND US.

Sie Tötete in Ekstase (1970, GER/SPA) C-77m. **
D: Frank Hollman (=Jess Franco). Starring Susann Korda (=Soledad Miranda),
Fred Williams, Howard Vernon, Paul Müller, Ewa Strömberg, Jess Franco, Horst
Tappert. Typical
sex-and-crime potboiler of that period, about doctor Williams, who conducts
experiments with human embryos, which enrages the medical board. They ban him
from the profession, which leads to his suicide. His wife cannot bear to live
without him, so she goes on a murder spree and kills those she thinks
responsible for his death. Rather inept, but any film with that cast and
production year can’t be bad. Miranda’s last film (she died aged 27 in a road
accident). Written by director Franco. The classical parts of the score are
by Bruno Nicolai. Alternative titles: SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY, MRS. HYDE.

Signale – Ein Weltraumabenteuer (1970, GDR/POL) C-89m. Scope *½ D: Gottfried Kolditz.
Starring Gojko Mitic, Wolfgang Kieling, Iurie Darie. East-German/Polish
coproduction about a space mission to rescue ship that has mysteriously
disappeared. Absolutely tedious and uneven, redeemed somewhat by okay
production values and camerawork. Comic relief is completely misplaced,
dialogue is trivial (the Captain is asked at one point if he likes his tea
with milk or lemon!). A curio at best. Based on motives from Carlos Rasch’s
novel Asteroidenjäger. Aka SIGNALS (with various subtitles).

Sign of Four, The (1983, GBR) C-97m.
**½ D: Desmond Davis. Starring Ian Richardson, David Healy, Cherie Lunghi,
Terence Rigby, Thorley Walters, John Pedrick, Joe Melia, Clive Merrison.
Sherlock Holmes is asked by a young lady (Lunghi) to investigate the
death of her father, presenting a map (signed by four men) which might lead
to a treasure. Average puzzler elevated by Richardson’s enjoyable performance
as the famous sleuth. Rest of cast not very convincing (although the midget
is pretty fierce). Good TV fare. Tobacco experiment previously realized in
Billy Wilder’s THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES.

Signs (2002, USA) C-106m. **** D:
M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin,
Abigail Breslin, Cherry Jones, M. Night Shyamalan. Patricia Kalmeber.
Top-notch chiller from the maker of THE SIXTH SENSE (1999) and UNBREAKABLE
(2000): Ex-reverend Gibson, still mourning for his wife who died by accident,
is baffled to find giant patterns in his cornfields, suggesting that someone
– or something – has visited him and his family from outer space. His little
son’s babyphone is already receiving strange sound patterns… are they voices?
Quiet and low-key, but so powerfully suspenseful it will make you gag with
excitement. A rare gem of a movie that does everything right; multiple
viewing recommended. This superb cross between NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
(1968) and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) was written and produced
by director Shyamalan. Excellent score by James Newton Howard. Photographed
by Tak Fujimoto.

Silence
of the Lambs, The (1991, USA) C-118m.
***½ D: Jonathan Demme. Starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn,
Ted Levine, Anthony Heald, Brooke Smith, Diane Baker, Kasi Lemmons, Charles
Napier, Tracey Walter, Roger Corman, Chris Isaak. First-rate psycho thriller
about FBI agent Foster, who is trying to track down serial killer and must
ask psychoanalyst Hopkins, a murderer and cannibal, for help. This aid comes
at a great price, however. Cleverly directed by Demme, whose subjective
camera angles lend the film great immediacy. Suspenseful, intelligent, you
could not ask more. The brilliant Hopkins won an Oscar, so did Foster,
director Demme and the screenwriter Ted Tally, who adapted Thomas Harris’
best-seller. In MANHUNTER, an earlier Harris adaptation, Hopkins characters
is played by Brian Cox. Followed by a sequel in 2001.

Silent Hill (2006, USA/CDN/JAP/FRA)
C-127m. Scope ** D:
Christophe Gans. Starring Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean, Laurie Holden, Deborah
Kara Unger, Kim Coates, Tanya Allen, Alice Krige, Jodelle Ferland. When her
daughter starts having nightmares about a place called Silent Hill, Mitchell
decides to find out where it is and ends up in a ghost town. Then her
daughter goes missing, and creatures start surfacing. Is the place doomed?
Video game adaptation by Roger Avary (of PULP FICTION fame) unfortunately
proves that the interactivity of such games cannot easily be translated into
a traditionally plotted film. Those who have played the game might find some
merit here. Others will complain that it makes little sense. A major disappointment
from the director of CRYING FREEMAN (1995) and LE PACTE DES LOUPS (2001). His
visuals are the movie’s only redeeming feature.

Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987, USA) C-88m.
** D: Lee Harry. Starring Eric Freeman, James Newman, Elizabeth Kaitan,
Jean Miller, Linnea Quigley. The killer from the first film had a brother… and
he is telling his whole story to a psychiatrist. The first half of the film
is nothing but a summary of the original, with all the murder scenes intact,
and continues it with the brother’s Santa psychosis and subsequent axe
murders. About as stupid as it gets, but director Harry keeps things at a
swift pace (especially by his dynamic editing) and endows film with a quite
daring finale.

Silent Partner, The (1978, CDN) C-110m.
***½ D: Daryl Duke. Starring Elliott Gould, Christopher Plummer, Susannah
York, Céline Lomez, Michael Kirby, John Candy. Unique, intriguing thriller about timid,
boring bank clerk Gould, who one day finds out in advance that his bank is
going to be robbed and decides to pull off a scheme. The bank robber
(Plummer), realizing that he has been fouled, is out for violent revenge.
One-of-a-kind film, don’t miss this one. Based on Andres Bodelsen’s novel Think
of a Number. Screenplay written by Curtis Hanson.

Silent Scream (1980, USA) C-87m.
**½ D: Denny Harris. Starring Rebecca Balding, Cameron Mitchell, Avery
Schreiber, Barbara Steele, Yvonne De Carlo. Quite well-plotted and paced
horror chiller about young student Balding, who rents a room in De Carlo’s
secluded villa at the seaside, where a murderer is on the loose. Not bad at all,
with a good score by Roger Kellaway, but never rises above the material.

Silver Hawk (2004, HGK) C-99m. Scope **½ D: Jingle Ma. Starring
Michelle Yeoh, Richie Ren, Luke Goss, Brandon Chang, Daming Chen. Hong Kong
gets its own masked avenger with Silver Hawk (Yeoh), a businesswoman with an
alter ego that tries to eradicate crime. Here she battles a megalomaniac
(Goss), who wants to steal an invention that can be used to control the minds
of people. Her sidekick: A cop that she used to know as a child.
Second-rate plot, but action scenes are well-done, with the finale the
highlight of the picture. Yeoh also produced this one.

Silver Slime (1981, FRA) C-15m. n/r D: Christophe Gans. Starring Aissa
Djabri, Isabelle Wendling. Short film by CRYING FREEMAN and LE PACTE DES
LOUPS director Christophe Gans, made when he was twenty-one. A young woman is
stalked by a leather-clad assassin – or is she? Interesting, over-the-top
experiment, an homage to Italian slasher movies. Dedicated to Mario Bava, who
died a year earlier, though this is closer in spirit to a Dario Argento. Gans
also edited and scripted.

Simple Plan, A (1998, USA) C-121m.
**½ D: Sam Raimi. Starring Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget
Fonda, Brent Briscoe, Gary Cole, Chelcie Ross, Jack Walsh, Becky Ann Baker.
Unusual, low-key thriller drama set in wintry rural North America. Paxton is
a hard-working, loving family father who stumbles with his brother and a
friend over a plane wreck in the middle of the woods and discover a gym bag
full of money. Their decision to keep the four million+ dollars is
accompanied by a complicating of events later on. Interesting, even intriguing,
but awfully slowly paced. Not without merit, however; fine score by Danny
Elfman, good acting, and film improves in second half but never really
catches fire. Screenplay by Scott B. Smith, based upon his novel.

Simpsons
Movie, The (2007, USA) C-87m. Scope *** D: David Silverman.
Starring (the voices of) Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright,
Yeardley Smith, Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria, Joe Mantegna, Albert Brooks, Tom
Hanks. After almost two decades of successful TV work, the Simpsons makers go
for the big-screen and lose almost nothing of their quality. Admittedly, the
story about president Schwarzenegger(!)’s plans to quarantine and ultimately
destroy Springfield after Homer dumps pig shit into their lake and makes it
an ecological hazard is a bit over-the-top, but some of the typical black
humor jokes are just as hilarious as in the TV series. A must for fans, good
fun for others. Movie buffs will savor the Disney spoofs. Score by Hans Zimmer.

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003, USA) C-86m.
*** D: Tim Johnson, Patrick Gilmore. Starring (the voices of) Brad Pitt,
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, Joseph Fiennes, Dennis Haysbert,
Timothy West, Jim Cummings. Fast-paced, exciting update of the Sinbad stories
(also spelled Sindbad in some countries) with distinctively modern dialogues.
Here, the likable pirate is revealed to be a hedonistic slacker, who is
deemed responsible for stealing an important book. Sinbad must seek it out in
ten days to avoid a friend’s execution. Good digital effects enhance the
movie, direction provides excitement. Produced by DreamWorks Studios.

Sin City (2005, USA)
C/B&W-124m. Scope ***
D: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez. Starring Jessica Alba, Alexis Bledel,
Powers Boothe, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Michael Clarke Duncan, Rick
Gomez, Carla Gugino, Josh Hartnett, Rutger Hauer, Jamie King, Michael Madsen,
Frank Miller, Brittany Murphy, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke, Nick Stahl, Bruce
Willis, Elijah Wood. Another Robert Rodriguez extravaganza, this adaptation
of Frank Miller’s comic book series is extremely stylized (appropriately so)
and ultra-violent. In the urban hellhole of Basin City, mostly immoral
characters fight and kill their way through the night, with stories focusing
on aging cop Willis, psychotic giant Rourke, avenger Owen, stripper Alba and
an armed gang of hookers, among others. Episodes are loosely linked (a la
PULP FICTION), but the plot is not the reason to tune in (though stories do
catch your attention). The black-and-white look of the comic books is
impressively recreated in a completely digital environment and the action
set-pieces are stylishly done. This cool comic noir and instant cult film is
clearly not for all tastes, though. ‘Special guest director’ Quentin
Tarantino directed the sequence with Owen and Del Toro in the car. Later that
year Rodriguez recut the movie and released it as a Special Edition DVD. This
version runs 23 minutes longer. Two sequels in planning phase.

Sindrome di Stendhal, La (1996, ITA) C-118m. ***
D: Dario Argento. Starring Asia Argento, Thomas Kretschmann, Marco Leonardi,
Luigi Diberti, Paolo Bonacelli, Julien Lambroschini, John Quentin, Veronica
Lazar. Director
Argento's daughter plays a young police woman, specialized on sex crimes, who
suffers from the Stendhal Syndrome. Whenever she sees a painting she faints,
believing she has entered it. In Florence, she encounters notorious sex
killer Kretschmann, who rapes her but lets her live. Now the young woman has
to cope with both the syndrome and the consequences of the rape, while
searching for the killer in Rome. Complex, suspenseful script, based on
Graziella Magherini's novel. Typical Argento stylistics, fine Ennio Morricone score.
Argento
also scripted and produced. Original running time reportedly 120m. English
title: THE STENDHAL SYNDROME.

Sinful
Dwarf, The
(1973, USA/DAN) C-92m. ** D: Vidal Raski. Starring Torben Bille, Anne
Sparrow, Tony Eades, Clara Keller, Werner Hedman. Pretty depraved exploitation
film about a midget, who lives with his aging, drinking mother in a former
nightclub, where they keep heroin-addicted girls as sex slaves for paying
customers. A young couple, Sparrow and Eades, seem to be their next victims.
Some amateurish bits, but film is surprisingly not bad. Graphic sex scenes
alternate with less graphic (though sadistic) violence. For the B-movie
enthusiasts out there. Original Danish title: DVAERGEN. Also known
as TEENAGE BRIDE.

Singe en Hiver, Un (1962, FRA) B&W-105m.Scope **½ D: Henri Verneuil. Starring Jean
Gabin, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Suzanne Flon, Gabrielle Dorziat, Hella Petri,
Henri Verneuil. In a little seaside community
boozing war veteran Gabin swears off alcohol one day after miraculously
surviving an air raid. Years later a lovesick young Spaniard (Belmondo)
tempts him to return to his old habit. Catalyst drama benefits from fine
performances, atmosphere, but is quite depressing. The plot also never
catches fire. Verneuil reportedly considered this his best film. Based on a
novel by Antoine Blondin. English title: A MONKEY IN WINTER, and IT’S HOT IN
HELL.

Singles (1992, USA) C-99m. *** D:
Cameron Crowe. Starring Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott, Kyra Sedgwick, Sheila
Kelley, Jim True-Frost, Matt Dillon, Bill Pullman, Matt Le Gros, Eric Stoltz,
Jeremy Piven, Tom Skerritt, Eddie Vedder, Cameron Crowe, Chris Cornell, Tim
Burton. Slight
but likable slice-of-life set in Seattle, an important breeding ground for
new (grunge) rock bands in the early 90s. Film follows affairs and
frustrations of several singles, like Fonda’s fling with rock “star” Dillon,
or Sedgwick’s surprising pregnancy. Not always on target but refreshingly
natural; it also features a lot of rock stars of the time in cameos (like
members of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, who all contributed to
the soundtrack). Director Crowe (ALMOST FAMOUS) also scripted and coproduced.
Photographed by Tak Fujimoto.

Sin Nombre, Los (1999, SPA) C-99m. *** D: Jaume Balagueró. Starring Emma
Vilarasau, Karra Elejalde, Tristán Ulloa, Toni Sevilla, Brendan Price, Jordi
Dauder. Original thriller about Vilarasau, whose daughter was found murdered,
mutilated beyond recognition five years ago. Now, she receives a strange
phone call from someone who claims to be her daughter, and she asks former
policeman Elejalde for help, who’s also lost someone important. It turns out
her daughter may have fallen prey to a secret organization called The
Nameless, which has its roots in Nazi Germany. Intriguing plot keeps you guessing
until the chilling end. Promising debut by director Balagueró (FRAGILES,
REC), based on the novel by Ramsey Campbell. Photographed by Xavi Gimenez
(TRANSSIBERIAN, THE MACHINIST). English title: THE NAMELESS.

Sirène du Mississippi, La (1969, FRA/ITA)
C-123m. Scope *** D:
François Truffaut. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, Cathérine Deneuve, Michel Bouquet,
Nelly Borgeaud, Marcel Berbert. Deliberately unconventional crime drama about
tobacco plant owner Belmondo, who orders a bride (Deneuve) by mail only to
have her disrupt his entire life. It turns out she is not what she seems to
be. Plot is not exactly brilliant, but star performances and incredibly
poetic dialogues more than make up for it. This film written by Truffaut and
based on the novel Waltz Into Darkness by Cornell Woolrich (writing as
William Irish) is more likely to appeal to film buffs than anyone else. Set
on the island La Réunion and France. Produced by Claude Miller. Also shown in
110m. version. English title: MISSISSIPPI MERMAID.

Sisters (1973, USA) C-92m. *** D:
Brian De Palma. Starring Margot Kidder, Jennifer Salt, Charles Durning,
William Finley, Olympia Dukakis. De Palma’s first thriller is an homage to
his idol Alfred Hitchcock. Salt plays a reporter, who incidentally witnesses
a murder (a la REAR WINDOW) and must investigate herself when the police
refuse to believe her. It turns out that psychotic Kidder has something to do
with it … or her diabolical twin sister? Uneven shocker hits bull’s eye in
the final third. Bernard Herrmann’s chilling score ennobles this cult
picture. Cowritten by De Palma, from his story.

Sisters of Death (1977, USA) C-87m.
** D: Joseph Mazzuca. Starring Arthur Franz, Claudia Jennings, Cheri
Howell, Sheri Boucher. Cheap, mostly unconvincing thriller about several
friends who are reunited mysteriously and finds themselves trapped in a large
house. The father of a dead friend wants to take revenge for the alleged
murder of his daughter. Quite muddled, but a certain cult potential cannot be
denied. Filmed in 1972.

Sitting Target (1972, GBR) C-93m.
*½ D: Douglas Hickox. Starring Oliver Reed, Jill St. John, Ian McShane,
Edward Woodward, Frank Finlay, Freddie Jones, Jill Townsend. Tedious thriller
about Reed, who escapes from prison to get his revenge on his bride St. John,
who said she wouldn’t wait for his release in 15 years. Scenes go on and on
and on, without meaning or reward. Car chase seqence at the end comes too
late for this D.O.A. Good editing by John Glen, who edited and directed some
Bond movies. Based on the novel by Laurence Henderson.

Six Days Seven Nights (1998, USA) C-101m. Scope ** D: Ivan Reitman.
Starring Harrison Ford, Anne Heche, David Schwimmer, Jacqueline Obradors,
Danny Trejo. Romantic adventure, strictly by-the-numbers, about successful
business woman Heche and her holiday with dream lover Schwimmer, which turns
into a nightmare when she crash-lands with pilot Ford on a deserted island.
Predictable, rather contrived, but watchable. Schwimmer seems completely out
of place (he’s cast against type), though, and Heche could easily be Ford’s
daughter.

666 Satan Returns (1996, HGK) C-95m.
**½ D: Ah Lun. Starring Chingmy Yau, Donnie Yen, Francis Ng, Spencer Lam.
Psycho-thriller with horror elements about police woman Yau, who is plagued
by nightmares in which an evil force is beckoning her. In real life, a serial
killer is cutting out the hearts of his victims. Is he a maniac believing to
be the Devil Incarnate, and why is he obsessed with finding women who were
born on June 6th, 1969? Flashy, stylishly shot thriller
camouflages its faults rather well. Second-rate plot, pointless comic relief
lessen effect. Yen is an appealing hero. Also known as 666 DEVIL
REINCARNATES.

16 Blocks (2006, USA/GER)
C-105m. Scope **½ D: Richard Donner. Starring Bruce Willis, Mos Def,
David Morse, Jenna Stern, Casey Sander, Cylk Cozart, Richard Fitzpatrick.
What looks like a change-of-pace for Willis – he plays an ugly, alcoholic,
suicidal cop – turns into standard fare, when Willis must transport a witness
to the court house, which is only 16 blocks away. Of course, things go wrong,
and it turns out that Willis’ ex-partner Morse is interested in getting rid
of the witness. Fair thriller set in New York, whose streets seem almost
impenetrable. A slight disappointment given the involvement of LETHA WEAPON
director Donner.

6th Day, The (2000, USA) C-123m. Scope **½ D: Roger Spottiswoode.
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Rapaport, Tony Goldwyn, Michael
Rooker, Sarah Wynter, Robert Duvall. Sci-fi action thriller set in the near
future where cloning pets is allowed. Goldwyn heads an illegal organization,
which clones humans, but he hasn’t reckoned with Schwarzenegger, who realizes
he has been cloned and tries to bring the villain down. Lots of action,
intriguing ideas, but story set-up is too fast and proceedings are a bit
confusing. Major liability: An overemphasis on (American) family kitsch,
which doesn’t gel with the (violent) action. Sort of influenced by
Schwarzenegger’s TOTAL RECALL, but not as thrilling.

Sixth Sense, The (1999, USA) C-106m.
***½ D: M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia
Williams, Haley Joel Osment, Donnie Wahlberg, Mischa Barton, Glenn
Fitzgerald. Unique, chilling psycho drama about child psychologist Willis,
whose life changes drastically after one of his former patients nearly kills
him. He accepts the case of nine year-old Osment, who is continually afraid
and terrified – the explanation for which shall not be revealed here. The treatment
of the boy results in neglecting his own wife (Williams), and soon the case
becomes very, very strange. Some dramatic flaws are offset by genuine
creepy atmosphere and a brilliant ending that, if you think about it, is not
entirely logical, but will send shivers up and down your spine. Osment is a
stand-out as the suffering child, Willis adequate as the psychologist.
Screenplay by director Shyamalan, who also appears briefly as a doctor. Fine
photography by Tak Fujimoto.

Skip Tracer (1977, CDN) C-94m.
** D: Zale Dalen. Starring David Petersen, Al Rose, Sue Astley, Mike
Grigg, John Lazarus. Independently produced drama about a ruthless debt
collector/repo-man, who slowly realizes that his career is founded on the
ruin of other people. Offers a bleak, sober view of society. Direction is not
seamless. Also known as DEADLY BUSINESS.

Skull & Bones (2007, USA) C-74m. M D: T.S. Slaughter.
Starring Derrick Wolf, Michael Burke, Jared DiCroce, Ryan Metzger. An
independent film about „homocidal“ mania, where two gay college students,
bored with life, invite a straight classmate, drug him and abuse him. When he
accidentally dies, they dispose of his body and soon find more victims in
nearby Ivy League hunks. Poorly done, with unconvincing amateur performances
and an increasing amount of (unaesthetic) violence.

Skulls, The (2000, USA) C-106m.
** D: Rob Cohen. Starring Joshua Jackson, Paul Walker, Hill Harper,
Leslie Bibb, Christopher McDonald, Steve Harris, William Petersen, Craig T.
Nelson, Rob Cohen. Hot-shot student Jackson, on the verge of entering an
elite university, is offered the chance to join secret, influential community
of the Skulls. After doing so he soon learns that they won’t shy away from
much to protect their members – not even murder. Contrived, marginally
interesting thriller becomes increasingly stupid towards the end. Followed by
two video sequels.

Sky Captain and the World of
Tomorrow
(2004, USA/GBR/ITA) C-106m. **½ D: Kerry Conran. Starring Jude Law,
Gwyneth Paltrow, Giovanni Ribisi, Michael Gambon, Bai Ling, Omid Djalili,
Angelina Jolie. Interesting experiment, one of the first films shot entirely
against a blue screen, with plenty of digital effects. In a world resembling
the 1940s, but with incredible technology and super-gadgets, the title
character (Law) joins forces with reporter Paltrow to find out mystery behind
the killing of scientists. It turns out a certain Dr Totenkopf (Sir Laurence
Olivier, whose performance was created with the help of archive footage) is
out to destroy the world with flying robot planes. Impressively designed
science-fiction, but plot is only so-so, relying too much on coincidences.
Writer-director Conran spent years preparing the film.

Skyjacked (1972, USA) C-101m. Scope **½ D: John Guillermin.
Starring Charlton Heston, Yvette Mimieux, James Brolin, Claude Akins, Jeanne
Crain, Susan Dey, Roosevelt Grier, Mariette Hartley, Walter Pidgeon, Mike
Henry, John Hillerman. Made at a time when disaster movies were still trying
to be original, this thriller details the hijacking of a plane and subsequent
panic on board. Heston plays the pilot, Mimieux the stewardess (and Heston’s
lover in corny flashbacks). Short on suspense, but several twists make it
interesting, with Brolin’s performance a stand-out. Based on David Harper’s
novel Hijacked. Cinematography by Harry Stradling Jr.. Crain’s last
film to date. Also known as SKY TERROR.

Slacker (1991, USA) C-100m. **½ D:
Richard Linklater. Director Linklater’s first film, shot when he was 21 years
old, is an examination of today’s youth, their ideas about life and their
inconsequentiality in realizing them. Too episodic and slipshod to score a
higher rating but frequently also entertaining and highly original. The cast
consists of amateur actors, Linklater himself plays the guy in the taxi (who
should have stayed at the bus station). See also DAZED AND CONFUSED.

Slalom (1965, ITA/FRA/EGY) C-95m. Scope **½ D: Luciano Salce.
Starring Vittorio Gassman, Adolfo Celi, Daniela Bianchi, Beba Loncar. Quite entertaining spy
comedy, obviously an attempt to spoof the James Bond series. Friends Celi and
Gassman go on a skiing holiday in Italy, where they hope to get rid of their
wives and have some affairs. Gassman’s presumed nightcap, however, turns out
to be a secret agent, and she abducts him to Egypt, where he must play the
stand-in for a deceased spy. Comic sequences are exaggerated, but this bit of
60s nostalgia isn’t bad, overall quite amusing. Reminiscent in some ways of
THE PINK PANTHER (1963). Bianchi had played a Bond girl in FROM RUSSIA WITH
LOVE (1963), Celi did the villain in THUNDERBALL (1965). Score by Ennio Morricone. Original version might
run longer.

Slaughterhouse (1987, USA) C-85m.
**½ D: Rick Roessler. Starring Joe B. Barton, Don Barrett, Sherry Leigh,
Bill Brinsfield, Jason Collier. Quite good horror thriller about an old
slaughterhouse owner and his fat, retarded son, who have their own ways of
defending themselves against the local authorities who want to push them off
their land. Body count rises when some teens decide to shoot an amateur
horror movie on the premises. Doesn’t sound as if it could work but it
(almost) does. Better performances than usual, potent effects, this is not your
ordinary, run-of-the-mill thriller, although some weaknesses are all too
obvious. Still, hard to understand why this was writer-director Roessler’s
only movie. Followed by a sequel.

Slaughterhouse Rock (1988, USA) C-85m. **½ D: Dimitri Logothetis. Starring Toni Basil,
Nicholas Celozzi, Tom Reilly, Donna Denton, Hope Marie Carlton. Fair horror
movie about a musician who is plagued by nightmares and then visits the
prison of Alcatraz where he finds the explanation for his dreams: A demon is
trying to enter the world of the living and starts possessing his friends.
Interesting mix between the Freddy Krueger films and possibly HELLRAISER
(1987), let down mostly by unconvincing sequences and poor acting. The
effects are good, though. Atmospheric score by Mark Mothersbaugh. Alternative
titles: HELL ISLAND, ALCATRAZ HORROR.

Sleeper (1973, USA) C-88m. ***½ D:
Woody Allen. Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, John Beck, Mary Gregory, Don
Keefer, John McLiam. Outrageously funny science-fiction satire about a man
frozen in 1973 and woken up 200 years later. Like in BANANAS, he is used as a
pawn in a big-scale revolution. Intelligent and hilarious, if not alwayson-target.
Score is brilliant. One of Allen’s best films.

Sleepers (1996, USA) C-147m. Scope **½ D: Barry Levinson.
Starring Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, Brad
Pitt, Minnie Driver, Brad Renfro, Bruno Kirby, Vittorio Gassman. Four friends
grow up together in New York City’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and share time in
prison, when a silly prank ends fatally. There they are viciously abused by a
warden and have to wait many years to get their revenge. Based on the
(allegedly) autobiographical novel by Lorenzo Carcaterra. Drama is well-acted
and well-made, as you would expect from such a director and cast, but badly
paced, overlong and incredible.

Sleeping Beauty (1959, USA) C-75m. Scope
**** D: Clyde Geronimi. Starring (the voices of) Mary Costa, Bill
Shirley, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton, Barbara Luddy, Barbara Jo Allen,
Taylor Holmes, Bill Thompson. One of Disney most beautiful animated features,
this brings the classic fairy tale splendidly to the screen. Princess Aurora
is cursed by an evil witch at birth, spends her childhood with fairies in the
wood, who still fail to protect her from fateful touching of the spindle.
Filmed in 70mm Super Technirama (a widescreen process), this is perhaps
Disney’s most stylish feature. Elements of fantasy are realized with great
creativity and elegance, the voice performances and characters are immensely
charming, and the orchestra score by George Bruns (Oscar-nominated) is simply
excellent. Animator Don Bluth’s first movie, and Chuck Jones also did some
uncredited work on this. Wolfgang Reitherman (THE JUNGLE BOOK) did some 2nd
unit directing.

Sleepwalkers (1992, USA) C-91m.
*** D: Mick Garris. Starring Brian Krause, Mädchen Amick, Alice Krige,
Jim Haynie, Cindy Pickett, Lyman Ward, Ron Perlman, Dan Martin, Glenn Shadix,
cameos by Joe Dante, John Landis, Clive Barker, Tobe Hooper, Stephen King and
Mark Hamill. Entertaining horror film, written by Stephen King, about a pair
of Sleepwalkers (Krause and Krige), who are half human, half-feline and need
the blood of virgins to rejuvenate themselves. Amick is to be their next
victim, but the cats in town seem to object. Not terribly clever, but great
fun, with good effects and a fine soundtrack. For horror fans and cat lovers
(like King himself). Aka STEPHEN KING'S SLEEPWALKERS.

Sleepy Hollow (1999, USA) C-111m.
**½ D: Tim Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Michael Gambon,
Casper Van Dien, Jeffrey Jones, Christopher Lee, Richard Griffiths, Ian
McDiarmid, Michael Gough, Christopher Walken, Marc Pickering, Lisa Marie,
Steven Waddington, Claire Skinner, Mark Spalding, Miranda Richardon. Dark
horror fantasy in the tradition of director Burton’s BATMAN movies, based on
Washington Irving’s story ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’. Depp plays a
constable from New York City who is sent to the remote village of Sleepy
Hollow, where a headless horseman decapitates his victims and steals their
heads. Wonderful photography by Emmanuel Lubetzki, immaculate production
design, stellar cast, but script is unpleasant in tone and never manages to
ignite much interest. Burton devotees will embrace this technically faultless
fairy-tale, others may feel overcome with the richness of the décor that
threatens to suffocate the plot. Most effective in the action scenes
involving Headless Hess Walken. Filmed several times before, but never
this auspiciously. Martin Landau appears unbilled in the opening scene.

Sleuth (1972, USA) C-138m. ***½ D:
Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Starring Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine. A mystery writer (Olivier)
invites his wife’s lover (Caine) to his manor determined to make him pay. To
reveal any more plot details would be unthinkable. Classic tour-de-force for
two great British actors. Script by Anthony Shaffer, based on his play.
Cinematography by Oswald Morris. Good score by John Addison. Last film of
director Mankiewicz (JULIUS CAESAR, CLEOPATRA).

Slime People, The (1963,
USA) B&W-76m. *½ D: Robert Hutton. Starring Robert
Hutton, Les Tremayne, Robert Burton, Susan Hart, William Boyce. Cheap,
unconvincing monster movie about slime people, prehistoric creatures who were
forced out of hiding under the earth’s surface due to nuclear testing. A late
example of the wave of American monster movies of the 50s and 60s, and
possibly one of the cheesiest. The only competent thing about it is its score
and that is probably stolen.

Sling
Blade (1996, USA) C-135m. **½ D: Billy Bob Thornton.
Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter, Lucas
Black, Robert Duvall, Brent Briscoe, Jim Jarmusch. Partly engrossing drama
about a mentally handicapped man (Thornton), whose killing of his mother’s
brutal lover sent him to an insane asylum. Now he is released and must deal
with the world around him. He befriends a boy, who seems to suffer the same
fate as he did all these years ago. Thornton, who wrote the script based on
his own stage play (filmed in 1994 as a short), knows which buttons to push,
but the movie is overlong and predictable, you know what will happen
long before it does. Good performances. Thornton won an Oscar for his
screenplay and was nominated for Best Actor. This film made him famous.

Slither (2006, USA/CDN) C-96m. **½ D: James Gunn. Starring Nathan
Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Gregg Henry, Michael Rooker, Tania Saulnier, Don
Thompson, Rob Zombie, Lloyd Kaufman, James Gunn. An alien, worm-like organism
crashes near a small village and infectsred-neckish Rooker, leading to
a zombie-like epidemic. Yucky, nasty splatter movie plays like a cross
between ALIEN (1979) and SHIVERS (1975), later becomes standard zombie-fare.
Still, not bad, with good effects, a sense of humor and a couple of good
performances. Horror movie fans will savor lots more references to genre
classics. From the writer of the DAWN OF THE DEAD remake.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008, GBR) C-120m. SCOPE ***½ D: Danny Boyle. Starring Dev
Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Rajendranath Zutshi, Freida Pinto, Irrfan
Khan. Exhilarating, well-filmed underdog story of Indian simpleton, who is
one question short of winning 20 million Rupies in popular TV quiz show. In
flashbacks we find out about his lfe story and how he came to know the
answers to the most difficult questions. Perfectly captures the
pulse-pounding lifestyle in overpopulated India, with fine music and compelling
performances. A crowd-pleaser and multiple award-winner, including 8 Oscars
(Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Score, Song,
Sound). Based on the novel Q & A by Vikas Swalup.

Smoke (1995, USA) C-112m. ***½ D:
Wayne Wang. Starring
Harvey Keitel, William Hurt, Stockard Channing, Harold Perrineau, Jr., Forest
Whitaker, Victor Argo, Erica Gimpel, Clarice Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito,
Ashley Judd. Keitel plays the owner of a cigar store at an intersection in
Brooklyn, New York, at which several people’s lives intertwine. Extraordinary
script by Paul Auster manages to enchant the viewer with believable stories
about people who seem real and not just invented. The cast is fine, and the
music score is perfect. A small gem. Followed immediately by BLUE IN THE
FACE.

Snake Eyes (1998, USA) C-98m. *** D: Brian De Palma. Starring Nicholas
Cage, Gary Sinise, John Heard, Carla Gugino, Stan Shaw, Kevin Dunn, Michael
Rispoli, Joel Fabiani, Luis Guzmán. During a box fight a crowd of 14,000 fans
witness the shooting of the U.S. Defense Minister. His bodyguard (Sinise) is
shattered to have failed to protect the man and his corrupt colleague (Cage)
smells the chance to become a hero in the subsequent investigation. Soon he
discovers the Minister may have fallen prey to a conspiracy, and there's a
person in the box arena that may prove to be a key witness. Crackerjack
thriller features dynamite performances by its stars and director De Palma
keeps things at a breathless pace. Unfortunately, credibility wanes towards
the end, but still, this is a superior, entertaining thriller that's never
boring.

Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1977, HGK) C-93m. Scope ** D: Yuen Wo-Ping.
Starring Cheng Long (=Jackie Chan), Yuan-Hsiao Tien, Huang Cheng-Li, Wang Chiang,
Shih Tien, Hsu Hsia. Chan works as a servant in a martial arts academy and
wants to become a fighter himself but is always kicked around by his
superiors. One day he meets an old bum who turns out to be a master on the
run from warriors who intend to steal a Kung Fu technique. Chan helps him and
is taught that technique in return. A poorly plotted action film, not really
a showcase for Chan’s fighting expertise. Direction by Wo-Ping is quite good,
but score is overbearing. Most interesting segment features a fight between a
cat and a cobra! Produced and cowritten by Ng See-Yuen. The director and Chan
reteamed a year later for the superior DRUNKEN MASTER.

Snakes on a Plane (2006, USA) C-105m. Scope** D: David R. Ellis. Starring Samuel L.
Jackson, Julianna Margulies, Nathan Phillips, Rachel Blanchard, Flex
Alexander, Kenan Thompson, Keith Dallas, Lin Shaye, Gerard Plunkett.
Much-hyped horror action thriller about Jackson, an FBI agent, who is
protecting an important witness. On a continental flight they suddenly find
themselves under attack by dozens of poisonous snakes. What sounds like the
plot of a 70s AIRPORT sequel (that was too ridiculous to be made) becomes
fairly exciting in latter half. With material this dumb they should have made
a comedy, though. Trivia note: One of the first movies that thrived on
internet buzz before release; it became so huge that producers found
it necessary to arrange some reshoots to turn it from PG-13 material into an R-rated
movie. Even so, it made little in returns.

Snatch. (2000, GBR/USA) C-103m. **½
D: Guy Ritchie. Starring Benicio Del Toro, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones, Brad
Pitt, Rade Serbedzija, Jason Flemyng, Guy Ritchie. More of the same from the
director of LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS. A convoluted, occasionally
funny gangster comedy about a group of petty criminals who get involved in a
diamond robbery and a fixed bare-knuckle boxing fight. Pitt is amusing as an
Irish gypsy, but everything about the coolness and hipness of this movie
seems forced and pretentious. Approach and style are certainly original, but
plot is basically just another PULP FICTION imitation. For those who prefer
coolness over content.

Snow Falling on Cedars (1999, USA) C-127m. Scope *** D: Scott Hicks.
Starring Ethan Hawke, Youki Kudoh, Rick Yune, Max von Sydow, James Rebhorn,
James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins, Daniel von Bargen, Max Wright, Sam Shepard,
Zeljko Ivanek. Excellent cast in impressive filmization of the novel by David
Guterson. In a coastal town of the 1950s, Japanese immigrant Yune is accused
of having killed a fisherman. Their private feud and the upcoming anniversary
of the Peal Harbor attack work against the defendant. Incidentally, reporter
Hawke, who was once in love with Yune’s wife, will be the deciding factor in
the trial. Beautifully filmed, very well-directed drama loses its
focus in the mid-section, and Hawke’s character seems a little too weak for
being the central one. Still, well-worth watching if only for director Hicks’
visual style and sensitive approach. Score by James Newton Howard.

Snow White (1997, USA/GBR/CZE)
C-100m. **½ D: Michael Cohn. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Sam Neill, Gil
Bellows, Taryn Davis, Brian Glover, David Conrad, Monica Keena. Flawed
adaptation of the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, made for theaters but premiered
on television or video. Snow White’s evil step-mother Weaver does everything
to get rid of the beautiful child. Father Neill suspects nothing of his
wife’s evil plans. Well-produced and quite atmospheric, but adds only few new
aspects to the familiar story. Wants to be an adult version of the fairy tale
but is too harmless for that. Filmed in the Czech Republic. Also known as THE
GRIMM BROTHERS’ SNOW WHITE and SNOW WHITE: A TALE OF TERROR.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937, USA) C-83m.
***½ D: William Cottrell, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, Ben
Sharpsteen. Starring (the voices of) Adriana Caselotti, Lucille La Verne,
Pinto Colvig. This milestone in animation filmmaking was Walt Disney’s first
feature and remains immensely charming after so many decades. Classic story
by the Grimm Brothers is brought to life with incredible detail and care.
Excellent score by Leigh Harline. Winner of a special Oscar.

Snuff-Movie (2005, GBR/ROM) C-93m. **½ D: Bernard Rose.
Starring Jeroen Krabbé, Lisa Enos, Hugo Myatt, Joe Reegan, Teri Harrison.
Director Rose’s follow-up to his acclaimed IVANSXTC (2000) is pretty much a
companion piece, as he tries to keep things as realistic as possibleand
stillsucceed in making a horror-themed movie. Krabbé plays a
controversial filmmaker, who has retired after the cult murder of his
pregnant wife 14 years ago (resembling the Polanski-Tate-Manson case of the
late 60s). Now he is calling actors to his house, who will star in a re-enactment
of the fateful day. Is everything real or ‘just’ a movie? Interesting
experiment with cinematic techniques remains too pretentious as the actors
are not convincing enough and the point of it all is not exactly clear. Some
potent gore effects. Rose also scripted and photographed the picture. Also
known as SNUFF.

Society (1989, USA) C-99m. MD: Brian Yuzna. Starring Billy
Warlock, Connie Danese, Ben Slack, Evan Richards, Patrice Jennings, Tim Bartell,
Charles Lucia, Heidi Kozak. Teenager Warlock has been having some strange
visions lately, and suspects his (real?) parents of being members of a secret
and terrible society. Slowly, a conspiracy is unraveled. Awfully slow,
awfully pretentious horror film is much too tame and conventional for over an
hour, then resorts to off-putting splatter and gore. Jarring. Some of the
effects are good, though. First film by the producer of RE-ANIMATOR.

Soeurs Bronte, Les (1978, FRA) C-115m. **½
D: André Téchiné. Starring Isabelle Adjani, Narie-France Pisier, Isabelle
Huppert, Pascal
Gregory, Patrick Magee. An attempted biography of the famous Bronte sisters,
who produced literary masterpieces in England of the 19th century.
Good location-filming, but film is hampered by a slow pace, which makes it
seem overlong. Nevertheless, a highly interesting film with a good cast.
Filmed in French and English versions, the latter being titled THE BRONTE
SISTERS.

Solamente Nero (1978, ITA) C-108m. ***
D: Antonio Bido. Starring Lino Capolicchio, Stefania Casini, Craig Hill,
Massimo Serato. Well-plotted giallo about young professor who returns to his home-town
near Venice and is faced by a murder series that might have something to do
with the killing of a young girl twenty years ago. Complex, suspenseful (and
slowly paced) mystery with good score is reminiscent of Dario Argento’s
giallos of the 70s (if not as stylish) but can stand well on its own. It’s
also not very violent. English title: BLOOD STAINED SHADOW. Shot in Panoramic (1,85:1).

Soldaat
van Oranje (1977, NED/BEL) C-167m. ***
D: Paul Verhoeven. Starring Rutger Hauer, Jeroen Krabbé, Susan Penhaligon,
Edward Fox, Lex van Delden, Derek de Lint. Sprawling epic detailing the Dutch
resistance movement during World War Two. Hauer is one of six students, who
become resistance fighters for the Dutch queen. Well-acted, well-produced
drama is almost impossible to rate in truncated, incoherent 114m. version. A
good, maybe even great film, but a waste of time in shorter versions. Based
on the book by Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema. English titles: SOLDIER OF ORANGE
and SURVIVAL RUN.

Solo (1996, USA/MEX) C-94m. Scope ** D: Norberto Barba.
Starring Mario Van Peebles, William Sadler, Adrien Brody, Seidy Lopez, Abraham Verduzco,
Barry Corbin. Van Peebles plays an android created in a secret government
experiment, who should function as a killing machine. When he fails to
fulfill his first mission because he refuses to kill innocent civillians, he
flees from the wrath of a colonel (Sadler) into the jungle. OK action movie
with few novelties. Not very violent, and also less mean-spirited than most
shoot’em-up flicks. Based on the novel Weapon by Robert Mason.

Solyaris (1972, RUS)
C/B&W-165m. Scope ***½
D: Andrei Tarkovsky. Starring Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri
Järvet, Vladislav Dvorzhetsky, Nikolai Grinko, Anatoli Solonitsyn. A
science-fiction classic, the Russian counterpart, if you will, to Stanley
Kubrick’s 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. In the near future, where the study of the
planet Solyaris has become a national endeavor, psychologist Banionis
prepares to travel to the space station in the planet’s orbit. He refuses to
believe reports that strange powers are turning your subconscious into
reality. The source of this seems to be Solyaris’ ocean, which is compared to
a giant brain. Philosophical, intellectual science-fiction, slow and pensive,
like any of director Tarkovsky’s works. A must-see, with excellent use of
classical music by Johann Sebastian Bach. Based on Stanislaw Lem’s novel Solaris.
Also known as SOLARIS.

Somebody Up There Likes Me (1996, HGK) C-113m.
*** D: Patrick Leung. Starring Aaron Kwok, Samo Hung, Ann Hui, Michael
Tong, Clifton Ko. Earnest drama about Kwok, who enters the kickboxing world
in order to still his desire for greatness and to impress his girlfriend Hui,
whose brother is the Hong Kong champ. Meandering script is not perfect, but
story is nicely unpretentious and features fine supporting work by Samo Hung
as Kwok’s coach. The grim finale is best part of the film. Executive produced
by John Woo, who was assisted by director Leung in his classics THE KILLER
(1989) and HARD-BOILED (1992). Leung followed this with BEYOND HYPOTHERMIA
(1996). Also known as THE TRIUMPH.

Some Girls Do (1969, GBR) C-92m. **½ D: Ralph Thomas. Starring Richard
Johnson, Daliah Lavi, Beba Loncar, James Villiers, Vanessa Howard, Maurice
Denham, Robert Morley, Sydne Rome, Adrienne Posta, Florence Desmond, Joanna
Lumley. Sequel to DEADLIER THAN THE MALE (1967) and all the other earlier
Bulldog Drummond pictures is fairly enjoyable, as gentleman spy Drummond goes
after villain who intends to use supersonic device and an army of sexy girl
robots to rule the world. Somewhat muddled plot, little action but exotic
settings, funny performances and a lot of eye candy keep your attention.
Rome, in her first film appearance (aged 17!) is drop-dead gorgeous. This was
also Lumley’s first role. Unavailable on home video for almost four
decades(!), it was released to DVD in Britain in 2005.

Someone’s Watching Me! (1978, USA) C-97m.
**½ D: John Carpenter. Starring Lauren Hutton, David Birney, Adrienne
Barbeau, Charles Cyphers, Grainger Hines. TV director Hutton moves into high
rise apartment complex, is targeted by psychopath who spies on her day and
night. Okay thriller with references to Hitchcock (particularly REAR WINDOW)
and a competent performance by Hutton. Though sometimes you will wonder why
her apartment is so brightly lit and the curtains are not drawn.
Interestingly, this premiered about a month after Carpenter’s horror classic
HALLOWEEN. Made for television. Aka HIGH RISE.

Something Evil (1972, USA) C-73m.
**½ D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Sandy Dennis, Darren McGavin, Ralph Bellamy,
Jeff Corey, Johnny Whitaker, John Rubinstein, David Knapp, Steven Spielberg.
Interesting early Spielberg effort (made for TV) about a family who move into
a house in the country and slowly learn that it is haunted by an evil spirit.
Quite eerie and atmospheric, but also annoying in the hysteria scenes
concerning mother Dennis. Rather slow, despite short running time. Still, one
of the better ‘evil house’ films. Written by Robert Clouse (ENTER THE
DRAGON).

Sonatine (1993, JAP) C-94m. M D: Takeshi Kitano.
Starring „Beat“ Takeshi, Aya Kokumai, Tetsu Watanabe. Very strange comedy
about a group of Yakuza gangsters who come to Okinawa and soon find
themselves under attack by a rival gang. They withdraw to a remote beach and
wait for something to happen. You’ll also wait for something to happen in
this violent gangster film. All comic situations are misfires (at least to
Western audiences), and the fact that the violence should be considered funny
here, makes the film all the more questionable. Japanese television star
Kitano has been compared to Quentin Tarantino, but the only similarity can be
found in the comic-book violence that pervades both men’s films.

Sons and Lovers (1960, GBR) 103m. Scope ***½ D: Jack Cardiff.
Starring Trevor Howard, Dean Stockwell, Wendy Hiller, Mary Ure, Heather Sears,
William Lucas, Donald Pleasence. Serious, intelligent drama about aspiring
young artist Stockwell, who turns down an offer to go to London just to stay
with his family in a coalmining town. Complex coming-of-age film topicalizes
love, friendship, emancipation and life in general. A thoughtful portrait of
a young man who is unable to make a stand because of his domi-neering mother.
Based on D.H. Lawrence’s novel. Fine, Oscar-winning cinematography by Freddie
Francis.

Sora Tobu Yûreisen (1969, JAP) C-61m. SCOPE **½ D: Hiroshi Ikeda. Starring (the
voices of) Kyôko Ai, Hiroshi Masuoka, Gorô Naya, Judy Ongg. A young boy saves
his father’s company’s boss after a road accident, brings him into an old
mansion, where they make the acquaintance of a skeleton captain and his
flying phantom ship. However, the real menace comes from a seemingly harmless
softdrink that is supposed to bring world domination to its creator. So
fast-paced (and short) it almost seems like a TV series episode, this anime
is quite uneven, but has some astounding, spectacular action set-pieces.
Hayao Miyazaki contributed to the animation of the giant robot (an
interesting prelude to those in LAPUTA). Dramatic score by Kosuke Onozaki.
English title: FLYING PHANTOM SHIP.

Sorcerers, The (1967, GBR) C-83m.
**½ D: Michael Reeves. Starring Boris Karloff, Catherine Lacey, Ian
Ogilvy, Elizabeth Ercy, Victor Henry, Susan George. Nice directorial touches
enliven unconvincing tale of scientist Karloff’s hypnosis experiment with
Ogilvy, which allows him and his wife to control the young man’s will. Watch
for some early psychedelic elements. British wunderkind/enfant terrible
Reeves made one more film – the acclaimed WITCHFINDER GENERAL (1968) – before
committing suicide at the age of 24.

Sorella di Ursula, La (1977, ITA) C-91m. *½ D: Enzo Milioni. Starring Barbara
Magnolfi, Stefania D’Amario, Vanni Materassi, Marc Porel, Anna Zinnemann. Two
Austrian sisters are on holiday in Italy looking for their mother who
abandoned them when they were young. One of the young women seems to be a
psychic, and then a killer starts his work in the hotel. Cheap, poorly
plotted and poorly acted thriller, a late giallo, but far from exciting.
Filled with gratuitous nudity and sex. Also known as THE SISTER OF URSULA,
and CURSE OF URSULA.

Sorority Babes in the Slimeball
Bowl-O-Rama (1988, USA) C-80m. ** D: David DeCoteau. Starring Andras
Jones, Linnea Quigley, Robin Stille, Hal Havins, John Stuart Wildman, Brinke
Stevens, Michelle Bauer, George ‘Buck’ Flower. What a title! Mindless horror
comedy about three college pals who break into a shopping center with some
‘sorority babes’ at night and just happen to release an imp from his prison
(a trophy). The creature then unleashes his magic powers on them. Starts nice,
but bogs down later. At least it’s short. Alternative title: THE IMP.

Sorority House Massacre (1986, USA) C-90m.
*½ D: Carol Frank. Starring Angela O'Neill, Wendy Martel, Pamela Ross, Nicole Rio. Typical 80s slasher pic
unashamedly rips off the plot of HALLOWEEN as brutal killer escapes asylum to
terrorize girls at a sorority. O'Neill has frightening dreams until the real
horror starts. Unintentionally hilarious dialogue, poor direction. Improves a
little in the second half, but good only for a few laughs. Originally
released at 74m., followed by a sequel in 1991.

Sôseiji (1999, JAP) C-83m. **½ D:
Shinya Tsukamoto. Starring Masahiro Motoki, Ryô, Yasutaka Tsutsui, Shiho
Fujimura. Artsy psycho horror drama set at the turn of the century about a young
doctor, who has taken in an amnesiac woman and fallen in love with her, much
to the chagrin of his parents. When his parents suddenly die, he suspects she
may be the reason, but as it turns out, there’s a mysterious, cruel twin who
wants to take over his identity. Interesting, to say the least, but also
quite off-putting and heavy-going. Cult director Tsukamoto adapted a novel by
mystery writer Rampo Edogawa. As usual, he also photographed and edited the
movie. English title: GEMINI.

Soupe aux Choux, La (1981, FRA) C-98m. Scope *** D: Jean Girault.
Starring Louis de Funès, Jean Carmet, Jacques Villeret, Claude Gensac, Henri
Génès, Marco Perrin, Christine Dejoux. Latter-day de Funès comedy (his
next-to-last movie) about two old-timers (de Funès and Carmet) living happily
somewhere in rural France, who are suddenly visited by an extra-terrestrial
(Villeret). De Funès cordially invites the hapless alien in and offers him
his cabbage soup (“soupe aux choux”), not knowing that it will become a big
hit in space – and change his life forever. Plot sounds ridiculous but film
is very funny and at the same time sentimental, even philosophical. Among
fans this is one of de Funès’ most fondly remembered movies. He even cowrote
the screenplay, an adaptation of a novel by René Fallet. Good score by
Raymond Lefevre.

Souris Chez les Hommes, Une (1964, FRA)
B&W-90m. **½ D: Jacques Poitrenaud. Starring Dany Saval, Louis de
Funès, Maurice Biraud, Robert Manuel, Dora Doll, Jean Lefebvre, Claude
Piéplu, Dany Carrel. De Funès and his buddy Biraud lead double lives: By day
they are respectable members of society, by night they are burglars. One day
they are observed by teen Saval, who wants to become their assistant. Mild
comedy, based on a novel by Francis Ryck. This was released only weeks before
de Funès’ international breakthrough with LE GENDARME DE ST. TROPEZ. Also
known as UN DROLE DE CAID, and A MOUSE WITH THE MEN.

Southern Star, The (1969, GBR/FRA)
C-104m. Scope **½ D: Sidney
Hayers. Starring George Segal, Ursula Andress, Orson Welles, Ian Hendry,
Johnny Sekka, Michel Constantin, Charles Lamb. Jules Verne adaptation set in
Africa (Senegal, to be exact) where Segal and Andress chase a precious
diamond known as the ‘Southern Star’. Welles adds spice as villainous,
Colonel Kurtz-like character, but interest comes and goes at whim, despite
solid direction and nice location filming. Segal is nicely subdued, Andress
is briefly seen in the nude. Orson Welles is said to have directed the
opening sequence of the film.

Southland Tales (2006, USA/FRA/GER) C-145m. SCOPE *** D: Richard Kelly. Starring
Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Janeane Garofalo,
Beth Grant, Christophe rLambert, John Larroquette, Bai Ling, Jon Lovitz,
Mandy Moore, Miranda Richardson, Wallace Shawn, Justin Timberlake, Zelda
Rubinstein, Curtis Armstrong. Writer-director Kelly’s follow-up to his cult
hit DONNIE DARKO (2001) has a similar science-fiction scenario. In (the near
future of) 2008, our society is on the brink of upheaval. Presidential
election campaigns are overshadowed by a quasi-terrorist movement, and two
main characters’ lives are examined in this setting: Johnson, a movie star
with political ties, suddenly suffers from amnesia, and private Scott, who
seems to have a twin brother, is a pawn in a clandestine operation. And there
is Liquid Karma, a new invention that works like a perpetuum mobile, and an
intriguing rift in the time-space continuum. Difficult to follow at times,
with a Bible-quoting stream-of-consciousness narrative, but fascinating, even
hypnotic all the way, referencing enough cult movies to satisfy buffs. This
can best be compared to the works of David Lynch. Good score by Moby. Film’s
release was accompanied by the publication of three graphic novels (by
Kelly), which stand as prequels to the story told here. Originally premiered
in Cannes at 160m.

Soylent Green (1973, USA) C-97m. Scope ** D: Richard Fleischer.
Starring Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young, Chuck
Connors, Joseph Cotten, Brock Peters, Dick Van Patten. Science-fiction drama
set in 2022, about police detective Heston, who investigates the death of a
wealthy government official. 40 million people live in Manhattan alone, most
of them starving, making New York City a place of constant riots. Soylent
Green denotes a special food product that may secure the survival of the
human race. Poorly paced sci-fi lacks excitement and suspense. A
disappointment, based on the novel Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison.
Robinson, as Heston’s assistant, is marvelous in his final film appearance.

Spaceballs (1987, USA) C-96m.
*** D: Mel Brooks. Starring Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne
Zuniga, John Candy, George Wyner, Dick Van Patten, Michael Winslow, John
Hurt, voices of Dom DeLuise, Joan Rivers. Hilarious STAR WARS spoof
masterminded by Brooks. Lord Dark Helmet (Moranis) is piloting space ship
Spaceballs 1 to steal a planet’s atmosphere, and the princess who lives there
has just run away from her wedding to Prince Valium. Enter mercenary Lone
Starr (Pullman), who not only falls in love with the princess but also
battles Dark Helmet with the help of his assistant Barf. Lots of gags, most
of which work. Also spoofs other sci-fi classics along the way. Especially
good fun for buffs.

Space Cowboys (2000, USA) C-130m. Scope ** D: Clint Eastwood.
Starring Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, James Garner,
James Cromwell, Marcia Gay Harden, William Devane, Rade Serbedzija. Eastwood
plays a former air force pilot, who almost made it into space in the late
1950s. When an old Russian satellite threatens to plummet onto the Earth, he
is finally sent up (with his former buddies, all in their sixties), because
he is the only one who can repair it. Well-filmed but completely unbelievable
space thriller/drama, worth watching only if you want to see Eastwood, Jones,
Sutherland and Garner enjoy themselves.

Space Truckers (1996, USA) C-96m. Scope ** D: Stuart Gordon.
Starring Dennis Hopper, Stephen Dorff, Debi Mazar, George Wendt, Vernon
Wells, Barbara Crampton, Shane Rimmer, Charles Dance. Hopper is a ‘space
trucker’ who tries to save the world when he notices that his cargo is robots
programmed to kill. Dorff and Mazar lend a hand. Careful script saves this
sci-fi action comedy which could easily have bombed. Story thrust is lost
after fifty minutes. Not very violent.

Spanish Prisoner, The (1997, USA) C-110m. *** D: David Mamet. Starring Campbell Scott,
Steve Martin, Ben Gazzarra, Ricky Jay, Rebecca Pidgeon, Felicity Huffman, Ed
O’Neill. Scott plays an inventor, whose latest coup would help his firm to
ensure market domination for several years. However, his superior Gazzarra
hesitates when it comes to paying him a bonus. It turns out that a chance
acquaintance, millionaire Martin, might help him in this situation. Further
details shall not be revealed. Mamet uses his writing skills to provide a
complicated but logical and even intriguing plot, but this is basically for
the brain and not for the eyes, ears or the gut. Slightly too calculated but
overall worthwhile.

Spartacus (1960, USA) C-187m. Scope
***½ D: Stanley Kubrick. Starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean
Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, Nina Foch, John
Ireland, Herbert Lom, Charles McGraw, Woody Strode, Tony Curtis, Richard
Farnsworth. Lively,
dramatic epic about the life of Roman slave Spartacus (Douglas) and his
rebellion against Roman authorities, which leads to a war of giant
proportions. Exceptional, like all of director Kubrick’s projects, this is
one of his most magnificent films, topped only perhaps by his 2001: A SPACE
ODYSSEY (1968). Excellent screenplay (based on the novel by Howard Fast)
includes more human aspects than all of its imitations combined and is brilliantly
performed (especially by Olivier as Spartacus’ antagonist). A technical
triumph, which becomes especially evident in the 1991 restored version:
Expert direction by Kubrick, marvellous cinematography by Russell Metty
(TOUCH OF EVIL), and a brilliant, incredibly rich score by Alex North. Only
fault is overlength. A definite influence on BRAVEHEART (1995) and GLADIATOR
(2000), both Best Picture Oscar-winners, which this film didn’t achieve
despite being better. It did win Oscars for Peter Ustinov (Best Supporting
Actor), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Cinematography and Best
Costume Design. Trivia note: Anthony Hopkins dubbed Laurence Olivier in the
restored bathing scene, because Olivier had died and the original soundtrack
was damaged beyond repair. Fully restored version runs 198m. Italian in-name-only sequel:
IL FIGLIO DI SPARTACUS (1963) starring Steeve Reeves.

Spasmo (1974,
ITA) C-93m. SCOPE **½ D: Umberto Lenzi. Starring Robert Hoffmann, Suzy
Kendall, Ivan Rassimov, Adolfo Lastretti, Monica Monet, Guido Alberti, Tom
Felleghy. One of exploitation filmmaker Lenzi’s best movies is a typical
giallo about Hoffmann, who takes off with somebody’s girlfriend (Kendall),
then kills a stalker in self-defense. Then doubts arise: Did he really kill
someone? Which role does his rich brother Rassimov play? Is he going insane?
Thriller is slightly uneven, but well-worth watching for fans, especially
because of beautiful Ennio Morricone theme. Trivia note: George A. Romero
shot 10 minutes worth of footage inserted for the film’s U.S. release! Also
known as THE DEATH DEALER.

Spasms (1983, CDN) C-86m. *½ D:
William Fruet. Starring Peter Fonda, Oliver Reed, Kerrie Keane, Al Waxman,
Miguel Fernández, Angus MacInnes. Scientist Reed has a telepathic link to a
giant, deadly serpent(!) and asks ESP expert Fonda to help him out. If that’s
not enough to make you laugh out loud, the rest of the plot will – unless it
will make you cry, because it’s so bad. One or two good attack scenes and
that’s it. Filmed in 1981. Score by Tangerine Dream. Based on the novel Death
Bite, which is also the film’s alternative title.

Special Effects (1984, USA) C-105m.
**½ D: Larry Cohen. Starring Zoe Tamerlis, Eric Bogosian, Brad Rijn, Kevin
O’Connor, Bill Oland. Ambitious B-movie about a starlet, who has abandoned
her family to make it in Hollywood, only to fall prey to (and be killed by) a
lecherous film director. He even persuades her desperate husband to star in a
film about her murder. Interesting, even intriguing thriller, but slow pace,
redundant stretches bring it down. Bogosian is too harmless to be a credible
villain. But make sure you stick around for the ending. A 93m. print also
exists.

Specialisti, Gli (1969, ITA/FRA/GER) C-84m.
Scope ** D: Sergio
Corbucci. Starring Johnny Halliday, Mario Adorf, Gastone Moschin, Sylvie Fennec,
Françoise Fabian. French rock star Johnny Halliday is a poor man’s Clint
Eastwood, who comes to the Western town of Blackstone to avenge the death of his
brother. The decadent citizens would rather see him dead. Mario Adorf plays a
Mexican. Did anyone say THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY? Still, spaghetti
western is not bad, with the characters better defined than usual; it just
could have used a better script. Fennec, who plays Sheba, is stunningly
beautiful. English title: DROP THEM OR I’LL SHOOT.

Spellbound (1945, USA) 111m. *** D: Alfred Hitchcock.
Starring Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov, Leo G. Carroll,
Alfred Hitchcock. A bit of Freudian psychology from the Master, this
melodrama centers around psychoanalyst Bergman’s infatuation with newly arrived
doctor Peck. Soon she realizes that he is a troubled man with a terrible
secret, he cannot even himself disclose. Slightly overlong but always
on-target, the dream sequences (designed by Salvador Dalí) are epecially
stunning. Good work from Hitch. Based on Francis Beeding’s novel The House
of Dr. Edwardes. Fine dramatic score by Miklós Rósza, produced by David
O. Selznick.

Spetters (1980, NED) C-112m.
*** D: Paul Verhoeven. Starring Hans van Tongeren, Toon Agterberg, Renée Soutendijk,
Maarten Spanjer, Marianne Boyer, Jeroen Krabbé, Rutger Hauer. Original
coming-of-age drama about the lives of three friends, who are all ambitious
motorcyclists and dream of being champion one day. Tramp Soutendijk tries to
give their careers a boost. Film shows that triumph and tragedy are often
closely related. Well-scripted, well-paced, another compelling drama by Dutch
director Verhoeven. Hauer - star of Verhoeven’s TURKS FRUIT - plays a race
champion; his role is quite small. Original version allegedly runs 122m.

Sphere (1998, USA) C-134m. Scope *** D: Barry Levinson. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Coyote, Liev
Schreiber, Queen Latifah. Filmization of Michael Crichton’s excellent
science-fiction novel is pure edge-of-your-seat entertainment, but not
without flaws. A group of scientists is flown to a vessel which was
discovered on the Pacific ocean floor. It seems the (space?) ship has been
there for almost 300 years, but how is that possible? A strange sphere inside
it may know the answer. Film is off to an abrupt start, and despite being
tightly paced not really evenly structured. It leaves open a few questions,
which those who have read the novel won’t mind. The suspense is extremely
fine, which is what makes up the film’s rating.

Spider (2002, GBR/CDN) C-98m. ** D: David Cronenberg.
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Gabriel Byrne, Lynn Redgrave,
John Neville. Psycho drama about mental patient Fiennes, who takes board at a
London home/asylum some time around WW2. Slowly we learn through flashbacks
what made him the broken man he is. Intriguing premise, but plodding execution
makes this a lesser Cronenberg effort. The fact that we are asked to identify
with or care for the handicapped main character makes the movie difficult to
access, if not even depressing. Classical score by Howard Shore makes things
even worse. Written by Patrick McGrath, based on his novel.

Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever
Told (1968, USA) B&W-84m. ** D: Jack Hill.
Starring Lon Chaney Jr., Carol Ohmart, Quinn Redeker, Beverly Washburn, Jill
Banner, Sid Haig. Corny, bizarre curio about a retarded backwoods
family, whose caretaker (Chaney, in his last film role) is in charge. The
adolescent girls play strange murder games, and the ‚boy‘ (Haig) is the bald
and handicapped title character. When some other, straight family members come
to claim their inheritance, there is murder and mayhem. Filmed in the
mid-60s, which accounts for relative tameness of the going-ons, but overall
subject matter is quite bizarre, so buffs should seek this out. Director Hill
also scripted and edited the picture. Also known as ATTACK OF THE LIVER
EATERS, CANNIBAL ORGY, and THE LIVER EATERS.

Spiderwick Chronicles, The (2008, USA) C-95m. SCOPE *** D: Mark Waters. Starring Freddie
Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Sarah Bolger, Joan Plowright, David
Strathairn, Andrew McCarthy, and the voices of Seth Rogen, Martin Short.
Fantasy adventure based on the books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black about
three siblings (a teenage girl and two twin boys, both played by Highmore),
who move into the old, derelict estate of their great-aunt with their mother.
It turns out the place is home to many secrets, among the most precious the
children’s great-great uncle’s Guide to Fairies, which describes a magical
world they at first cannot see. When they learn that an evil ogre is after
the book, a fantastic adventure for them begins... Well-made, effective
fantasy does the books justice and adds some fun ingredients. Not great, but pretty
well-done. Good score by James Horner. Adaptation by Karey Kirkpatrick, David
Berenbaum and John Sayles. Photographed by Caleb Deschanel.

Spie Vengono dal Semi Freddo, Le (1966, ITA) C-79m. M D: Mario Bava. Starring
Vincent Price, Fabian, Laura Antonelli. Idiotic comedy about mad scientist who
plants bombs into attractive women that explode when kissed. This way he
wants to attain world domination. Too bad no one planted a bomb in this
trashy sequel to DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE BIKINI MACHINE. It seems incredible
Bava made this because it’s badly directed! And isn’t Vincent Price’s voice
dubbed? Other prints run 85m. English title:
Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs

Spirited Away (2001, JAP) C-125m.
*** D: Hayao Miyazaki. Starring (the voices of) Daveigh Chase, Suzanne
Pleshette, Jason Marsden, John Ratzenberger (English version). Complex, often
fascinating animated feature from Japanese genre master Miyazaki. A little
girl, about to move to a new home in the country, follows her parents into an
abandoned theme park, which is a resting place for spirits. Separated from
her parents, the frightened girl finds refuge.in a huge bath house and must
try to fit in with all kinds of weird characters. Anime of epic proportions
creates a marvelous, inspiring fantasy world (much like the director’s
PRINCESS MONONOKE), but remains perhaps slightly too grotesque for its own
good, as this renders the film a bit episodic. Still, first-rate in many
respects. Excellent score by Joe Hisaishi. Oscar winner for Best Animated
Feature. Filmed in an aspect ratio of 2.00:1. Also known as SEN, SEN AND THE
MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF CHIHIRO, and most commonly SPIRITED AWAY.
Japanese original title: SEN TO CHIHIRO NO KAMIKAKUSHI.

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002, USA) C-83m. Scope ** D: Kelly Asbury, Lorna
Cook. Featuring the voices of Matt Damon, James Cromwell, Daniel Studi,
Chopper Bernet, Charles Napier. Pleasant-enough animated feature from
DreamWorks follows the exploits of a wild stallion, as it grows up to be the
leader of its herd and must live through one or the other adventure in the
Old West. Very little interest springs from derivative plot, the
(computer-animated scenes don’t really thrill. For horse-loving, undiscriminating
kids.

Spiritual Kung Fu (1979, HGK) C-94m. Scope *½ D: Lo Wei. Starring Jackie Chan.
Someone steals a valuable book containing instructions for an almost
unbeatable fighting technique from a Shaolin monastery. Chan, with the help of
red-haired ghosts(!), tries to get it back from the villain. Weak, incoherent
eastern with poor comic elements contains enough action to please Jackie’s
fans but hardly anyone else. Produced by the director, who reworked this in
1985.

Splinter (2008, USA) C-82m. SCOPE ** D: Toby Wilkins. Starring Shea
Whigham, Paulo Costanzo, Jill Wagner, Rachel Kerbs. Not-bad but barely
original horror movie set in and around a gas station where two young lovers
have been taken hostage by a pair of criminals. Too bad, there’s also an
infectious splinter-like virus around. Some nice gore effects, but movie
never rises to full-fledged excitement. Has been compared to George Romero’s
DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978), but that’s too much praise for it. Performances are
fairly good, direction a bit too hectic. Director Wilkins also coscripted.

SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, The (2004, USA) C-90m.
*½ D: Stephen Hillenburg. Starring (the voices of) Tom Kenny, Clancy
Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Jeffrey Tambor, Scarlett Johansson,
Alec Baldwin, and (in person) David Hasselhoff. Pretty obnoxious big screen
version of the TV series contains the same low-brow, dark-humor jokes, packed
into a story of SpongeBob and Patrick trying to find Neptune’s crown and
thereby saving Mr. Krabs from his certain demise. Fans might boost the rating
by a star, but for others this is just too hysterical and violent.

Spontaneous Combustion (1990, USA) C-97m.
*½ D: Tobe Hooper. Starring Brad Dourif, Cynthia Bain, John Cypher,
William Prince, Dey Young, John Landis. In the 1950s a young couple suffers
radioactive contamination due to the government’s nuclear testing. The woman
nevertheless gives birth to a boy, who some thirty years later has the power
to set people on fire. Ambitious story (by Hooper) goes absolutely nowhere
with a completely unconvincing script. Dourif is quite good in the lead role.

Spooked:
The Ghosts of Waverly Hills Sanatorium (2006, USA) C-82m. **½ D: Christopher Saint
Booth. Featuring Charles Mattingly, Tina Mattingly, Keith Age, Christopher
Saint Booth, Philip Adrian Booth. Interesting documentary about Waverly Hills
Sanatorium a monstrous, derelict building that used to be a hospital, and has
now a reputation of being haunted. Through interviews and historical
flashbacks filmmaker Booth tries to explain its fascination and offers
paranormal evidence from orbs, EVPS to actual ghost apparitions. Not fully
convincing but quite chilling.

Spy Game (2001, USA/GBR) C-126m. Scope **½ D: Tony Scott. Starring
Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Catherine McCormack, Stephen Dillane, Larry
Bryggman, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Hemmings, Charlotte Rampling. Redford
plays a CIA man who is about to retire, when he hears of the imprisonment of
a colleague he trained (Pitt). In flashbacks, we learn about the men’s
relationship, while there are only 24 hours for Redford to persuade the CIA
to save Pitt from execution. Starts out interesting, but loses its way in the
second half, when there is at least one flashback too many, making the story
seem like a contrivance. The stars are good, though, as is Scott’s direction.

Spy Kids (2001, USA) C-88m. *** D: Robert Rodriguez.
Starring Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Alan
Cumming, Tony Shalhoub, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Robert Patrick, Danny
Trejo, Mike Judge, Richard Linklater, George Clooney. Fast-paced actioner
about former spies Banderas and Gugino, who have two children now and are
living a quiet existence. Then one day they called back into action and their
kids are thrust into an adventure of giant proportions. Loud, effects-filled,
well-designed movie is aimed at children, but adults will find it fun, too. A
bit too comic-bookish perhaps in characterization and plot. Sort-of the
follow-up to Rodriguez’ episode in FOUR ROOMS (1995). Score by Danny Elfman.
Followed by two sequels.

Spy Next Door, The (2010, USA) C-94m. ***
D: Brian Levant. Starring Jackie Chan, Amber Valetta, Madeline Carroll, Will
Shadley, Alina Foley, Magnús Scheving, Billy Ray Cyrus, George Lopez. Chan
plays a spy, who romances a suburban single mom in his cover identity. When
he has the chance to babysit her children, he eagerly embraces this
opportunity to win their trust. However, a Russian villain has set his eyes on
his home and a valuable file on his computer. Paper-thin plot has been done
several times before, but Jackie Chan is so likable, he pulls this off with
ease, despite some sub-par performances. Also known as DOUBLE MISSION, SPY
DADDY.

Spy Who Loved Me, The (1977, GBR) C-125m. Scope ***½ D: Lewis Gilbert.
Starring Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, Curd Jürgens, Richard Kiel, Caroline
Munro, Bernard Lee, Lois Maxwell, Desmond Llewelyn. James Bond goes against
villain Jürgens, who has abducted nuclear weapons – planning to destroy the
world! 007 must join forces with beautiful Russian agent Bach in order to
stop the madman’s evil scheme. Exceptional globetrotting adventure, loaded
with gimmicks, more serious than other Bond films, but not without the trademark
humor. Excellent production values make this the best 70s Bond. Marvelous
photography by Claude Renoir. Followed by MOONRAKER.

Squadra Antiscippo (1976, ITA) C-95m. **
D: Bruno Corbucci. Starring Tomas Milian, Jack Palance, Maria Rosaria Omaggio,
Toni Ucci, Alberto Longoni. Slightly sub-standard police movie about grungy
cop Milian, who may be the only one with the wits to stop ruthless crimelord
Palance. Quite violent fare, with a plot that
drags on. Milian is the whole show here; he is so cool that he even wears his
woolly cap in bed! Film started an entire series and was followed by ten(!)
sequels. English
title: THE COP IN BLUE JEANS.

Squartatore di New York, Lo (1982, ITA) C-93m. Scope ** D: Lucio Fulci. Starring
Jack Hedley, Almanta Suska, Howard Ross, Andrea Ochipinti, Alexandra delli
Colli, Lucio Fulci. Gory slasher movie by none other than splat-master Lucio Fulci. A
psycho killer, talking like Donald Duck, is stalking women in the streets of
New York. Police investigators are baffled. Typically violent for its time, a
direct descendant of the giallo, only less intricate and atmospheric. Some
nice directorial touches and good photography by Luigi Kuveiller (PROFONDO
ROSSO) make it worthwhile for genre fans. Cowritten by Fulci. English titles:
THE NEW YORK RIPPER, PSYCHO RIPPER and THE RIPPER.

Squirm (1976, USA) C-92m. **½ D:
Jeff Lieberman.StarringDon Scardino, Patricia Pearcy, Peter
Mac-Lean. If you think worms are ugly then stay away from this shocker about
young New Yorker who has to contend with slimy creatures who are driven out
of the earth by a power shock. The direction lifts it above average but film
is rather an ecological thriller than a horror film. The American PG-rating
tells it all.

Stalker (1979, RUS) C/B&W-161m.
***½ D: Andrei Tarkovsky. Starring Aleksandr Kajdanovsky, Alisa
Frejndlikh, Anatoli Solonitsyn, Nikolai Grinko, Natasha Abramova. Art film
drama with science-fiction elements: Ex-convict Stalker agrees to lead two
intellectuals, writer Solonitsyn and scientist Grinko into the ‘Forbidden
Zone’, a deserted wasteland that is said to have strange powers ever since a
meteorite crashed into it. The Zone and its laws seem beyond human
comprehension… Long, slow, hypnotic masterpiece of filmmaking, perhaps just a
tad too cold, reflects upon mankind’s need to ‘know’ and human fallability.
Again, Tarkovsky makes excellent use of classical music. He also cowrote the
script with Arkadi and Boris Strugatsky, based on their story. Shot in an
aspect ratio of 1.37:1.

Stand, The (1994, USA) C-360m.**½ D: Mick Garris. Starring Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Jamey
Sheridan. TV-adaptation of Stephen King’s mega-novel about disease wiping out
civilization, which leads to a good-versus-evil fight among the few
survivors. Film is well-made and interesting to say the least, but it stands
and falls with Sheridan’s devil/bad guy, who looks and behaves all too human.
Besides, the ending really drags. Cameos include Sam Raimi, Kathy Bates and
King himself, who also penned the teleplay (and none too well).

Stand by Me (1986, USA) C-89m.
*** D: Rob Reiner. Starring Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman,
Jerry O’Connell, Gary Riley, Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Dreyfuss, John
Cusack, Madeleine Swift. Classic coming-of-age tale written by Stephen King
(of all people), about four twelve-year-old friends in 1960 Maine, who embark
on a journey to find the dead body of a kid in the woods. Effective
drama about friendship and growing up uncovers childhood traumata with shocking
simplicity. A bit slight but funny, with some priceless oldies on the
soundtrack. The screenplay was Oscar-nominated. Wheaton is remarkable as
Stephen King’s alter ego.

Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (2001, USA) C-142m.
*** D: Jan Harlan. Narrated by Tom Cruise. Featuring interviews with
Woody Allen, Arthur C. Clarke, Shelley Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Malcolm
McDowell, Matthew Modine, Jack Nicholson, Alan Parker, Sidney Pollack, Martin
Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Douglas Trumbull, Peter Ustinov, the Kubrick
family. Meticulous documentary about the life and oeuvre of Stanley Kubrick,
one of the most acclaimed, most maniacal, most ingenious film directors of
the 20th century. His upbringing and education, his early jobs are
revealed, his films are discussed and commented upon by collaborators and
admirers. Highly interesting stuff, although sheer length numbs you a little.
One would also have expected more information about the movies themselves.
Still, no film buff should miss this. Some of the most interesting (and
intelligent) commentary comes from Martin Scorsese and Jack Nicholson.

Stardust (2007, GBR/USA) C-127m. Scope** D: Matthew Vaughn. Starring Ben Barnes, Clare Danes, Sienna Miller,
Henry Cavill, Nathaniel Parker, Peter O’Toole, Rupert Everett, Michelle
Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ricky Gervais. Fantasy adventure based on a book by
Neil Gaiman about a fantasy world in 19th century England which can be
accessed through a hole in a stone wall. A young man fathers a child with an
imprisoned princess there, many years later the son, who grew up in the real
world, has the chance to become the prince, if he can find magic stone before
an evil witch. Despite swift pace, this has too much of everything, too much
wacky humor, too much violence and in the end it doesn’t gel – unless
watching De Niro in women’s clothes is your idea of fun. Even
Danes seems miscast.

Star Quest (1994, USA) C-94m.** D: Rick Jacobson.
Starring Steven Bauer, Brenda Bakke, Alan Rachins, Emma Samms, Cliff De
Young, Ming-Na Wen. Eight international scientists on a mission to a distant
solar system are shocked to find one of their crew members dead after they
are waken from hibernation ... and more deaths follow soon. B-sci-fi,
produced for television, is derivative (it rips off the first scene of PLANET
OF THE APES) but otherwise not that bad. Interesting plot twists make it
watchable. De Young is good. U.K. title: TERMINAL VOYAGE.

Starquest II (1997, USA) C-93m. M D: Fred Gallo. Starring Adam Baldwin,
Gretchen Palmer, Robert Englund, Jerry Trimble, Duane Davis. Perfectly
unbearable science-fiction about several characters waking up aboard a space
vessel, only to discover that the Earth has been destroyed in a nuclear war.
It turns out that human-looking aliens (led by Englund) want to breed humans.
Offensively stupid characters, pointless violence, nudity and simulated sex.
For the least demanding viewers only. One wonders why Englund signed up for
this trash. Alternative title: MIND BREAKERS. No obvious relation to STAR
QUEST.

Starship (1985, AUS/GBR)
C-88m. ** D: Roger Christian. Starring John Tarrant, Deep Roy, Donogh
Rees, Cassandra Webb, Arthur Sherman. Science-fiction film from a STAR WARS
collaborator about a mining colony in outer space, where humans are used as
workers. When some of them find out they are about to be replaced by robots,
they rebel against the authorities. Low budget hampers film considerably,
though it also isn’t very entertaining or exciting. Watchable but rather
boring. Andrew Lesnie (LORD OF THE RINGS) did the 2nd unit
photography. Alternative titles: 2084, and LORCA AND THE OUTLAWS.

Starship Troopers (1997, USA) C-129m. M D: Paul Verhoeven.
Starring Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Neil
Patrick Harris, Clanc Brown, Seth Gilliam, Michael Ironside. Mankind is at
war with gigantic insects in this worthless science-fiction film - or is it a
satire? Either way, some impressive effects and over-the-top violence (as
expected) cannot save this adaptation of Robert A. Henlein’s award-winning
science-fiction novel. The human drama is laughable, the acting atrocious (by
a Beverly Hills 90210/Melrose Place cast). You know you’re in
trouble when the audience in the movie theater considers almost every scene a
laugh riot. This is actually worse than INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Starsky
& Hutch (2004, USA) C-101m. Scope **½ D: Todd Phillips.
Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Snoop Dogg, Fred Williamson, Vince Vaughn,
Juliette Lewis, Jason Bateman, Amy Smart, Carmen Electra, Chris Penn, Paul
Michael Glaser, David Soul, Will Ferrell. Quite funny revival/spoofing of the
TV series of the late 1970s with Stiller and Wilson playing cops, who try to
pin cocaine dealer Vaughn. Something’s missing from the plot, but if you want
to see what the 70s were like in terms of clothes, styles, applications etc.
then this is your movie.

Star Trek - The Motion Picture (1979, USA) C-132m. Scope *** D: Robert Wise.
Starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Stephen Collins,
Persis Khambatta, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, George
Takei. The 'Star Trek' crew makes a welcome return to the screen after their
exciting TV adventures in the late 1960s. The big-budget somewhat belies
their origins, and film's simple story hints at this incompatibility. A huge
energy field approaches the Earth, destroying everything in its path and the
Enterprise tries everything in its power to avert disaster. The likable
characters (portrayed by the - still young - actors from the original series)
carry this film. Excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith provides the excitement
denied by the plot, and Douglas Trumbull's brilliant effects are reminiscent
of his work for Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. A must for Trekkies,
acceptable sci-fi for others. Also shown at 143m. Followed by eight sequels
until 1998.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom
Menace
(1999, USA) C-136m. Scope
*** D: George Lucas. Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie
Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Pernilla August, Hugh Quarshie, Frank Oz,
Terence Stamp, Brian Blessed, Samuel L. Jackson, Sofia Coppola. The beginning
of the most successful space saga of all time has Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and
Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) trying to negotiate peace, but soon they find
themselves in the midst of an intergalactic political crisis, which might
escalate any moment. On a rescue mission they make the acquaintance of
Annakin Skywalker (Lloyd), a young boy with the gift of a Jedi… Excellent
digital effects will take your breath away (especially during the race
sequence and the bombastic finale), although the plot lacks scope and
transparency – just what the beginning of an epic saga actually needs. The
story and the characters would have needed more fleshing out, but the film’s
pace doesn’t seem to leave enough time. Still, good fun all the way. Seqeuls
in existence: STAR WARS (EPISODE IV), THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (EPISODE V) and
RETURN OF THE JEDI (EPISODE VI).

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977, USA) C-125m. Scope ***½ D: George Lucas.
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec
Guiness, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew, voice of James Earl Jones. ‘A long time
ago in a galaxy far, far away…’ Fast-paced, exciting science-fiction
adventure that has become the most popular film of all time. Story –
obviously aimed at kids - concerns rebellion against the Dark Force in
unnamed galaxy. Protagonists Luke Skywalker (Hamill), Han Solo (Ford), Princess
Leia (Fisher), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Guiness) join forces against the mysterious,
invincible Darth Vader. Dazzling special effects, spirited direction, a film
that revolutionized the sci-fi genre and created a cult following, the
biggest in all filmdom (it’s a close race with STAR TREK). C-3PO and R2D2
provide brilliant comic relief. Try comparing the characters with those in
THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Winner of seven Oscars (including one for John
Williams’ memorable score). Originally released at 121m., restored in 1997.
Followed by two sequels and three prequels, starting with STAR WARS: EPISODE
V – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980).

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire
Strikes Back (1980, USA) C-127m. Scope
**** D: Irvin Kershner. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie
Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew,
Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guiness, Jack Purvis, Julian Glover, Christopher
Malcolm, John Ratzenberger, Treat Williams, voice of James Earl Jones. Sequel
to the original STAR WARS (1977) is perfect entertainment. Story is merely a
continuation of the battle between good and evil forces in space. Skywalker
(Hamill), Leia (Fisher) and Solo (Ford) are trying to flee from deadly,
increasingly powerful grasp of Darth Vader. However, their paths separate
soon after a decisive battle on an ice planet. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is a
rollercoaster ride of a movie: Brilliant pacing (especially in the first 40
minutes), first-rate effects and more intriguing plotting than in EPISODE IV
make for an awe-inspiring experience. This is without a doubt the best STAR
WARS movie, an impressive achievement, one of the top three science-fiction
movies of the decade. Story by George Lucas, screenplay by Leigh Brackett and
Lawrence Kasdan. Winner of two Oscars, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Restored version released in 1997. Followed by STAR WARS: EPISODE VI – RETURN
OF THE JEDI (1983).

Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of
the Jedi
(1983, USA) C-134m. Scope *** D: Richard Marquand. Starring Mark Hamill,
Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Peter
Mayhew, Sebastian Shaw, Ian McDiarmid, Frank Oz, David Prowse, Alec Guiness,
Warwick Davis, Jack Purvis, voice of James Earl Jones. Final installment in
the much-loved STAR WARS series is a slight disappointment considering the
high standard of its predecessor. The Empire is about to complete a new Death
Star and Luke Skywalker seeks out Darth Vader for a final confrontation.
Episodic, less thrilling, but production design and special effects are still
dazzling. David Fincher was among the visual effects crew. Restored version
released in 1997. Followed by two EWOK films made for TV and the prequel STAR
WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999).

State of Grace (1990, USA) C-134m.
**½ D: Phil Joanou. Starring Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, Ed Harris, Robin
Wright (Penn), John Turturro, John C. Reilly, Joe Viterelli, Burgess
Meredith, James Russo. After a ten-year absence, Penn returns to his home
turf of Hell’s Kitchen, N.Y.C., and joins forces with Oldman and his brother
Harris, who are the leaders of a powerful gang. Strong characterizations in
unfocused script that does not justify film’s overlength. Some stylish bits,
but should have been a much better film. Score by Ennio Morricone. Photographed by Jordan
Cronenweth (BLADE RUNNER).

Stay Awake, The (1987, SAF) C-91m.
*½ D: John Bernard. Starring Shirley Jane Harris, Tanya Gordon, Jayne
Hutton, Ken Marshall, Heath Porter. Some twenty years after a serial killer’s
execution the man’s ghost terrorizes some girls spending a ‘stay-awake’ night
at their sorority. Absolutely nothing happens in the first 40 minutes, the
rest plays in semi-darkness. Some stylish camerawork aside, this is a stupid
horror film (from South Africa).

Stealing Beauty (1996, ITA/FRA/GBR)
C-118m. Scope *** D:
Bernardo Bertolucci. Starring Jeremy Irons, Liv Tyler, Joseph Fiennes, Sinead
Cusack, Rachel Weisz, Stefania Sandrelli, Jean Marais, Jason Flemyng. Quiet,
stimulating coming-of-age drama about 19-year-old American (virgin) Tyler,
who spends her holiday in Tuscany, Italy, with friends, who have all known
her late mother. While trying to find her roots, she also discovers her own
character and sexuality. Playful, perhaps too light-weight but film escapes
heavy-handedness thanks to fine direction and score. Ravishing Tyler’s
naturality provides a heavy dose of eroticism. Irons is also fine as a dying
admirer of her beauty.

Step Brothers (2008, USA) C-98m. **½ D: Adam McKay. Starring Will Ferrell,
John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn,
Seth Rogen. Low-brow comedy about two 40-year-old men, who still live at
home. When Ferrell’s mom falls in love with Reilly’s dad and marries him,
they are forced to share their laziness and become competitors. Juvenile
humor abound, but also features some laugh-out-loud gags. For Ferrell’s fans.

Stepfather, The (1987, USA) C-89m.
**½ D: Joseph Ruben. Starring Terry O’Quinn, Jill Schoelen, Shelley Hack,
Charles Lanyer, Stephen Shellen, Stephen E. Miller. Contrived, partially
effective thriller about psychopath O’Quinn, who has just killed his entire
family and moves on to a new one, obviously having wiped out all traces. How
long does it take his anxious stepdaughter to find out about him? Story plays
out with these typical plot coincindences, but O’Quinn’s performance is
convincing. Followed by two sequels.

Stepford Wives, The (2004, USA) C-93m.
** D: Frank Oz. Starring Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler,
Glenn Close, Christopher Walken, Roger Bart, David Marshall Grant, Jon
Lovitz, Faith Hill. Remake of the 1975 horror film becomes a satire on the
picture-perfect suburban existence. Ousted network exec Kidman moves to
Stepford with her husband Broderick and their two children, and soon learns
that not everything is a neat and perfect as it seems. Watchable until the
finale, which undermines film. This should have remained as serious as the
original. Based on the novel by Ira Levin.

Stepmom (1998, USA) C-125m. Scope *** D: Chris Columbus.
Starring Julia Roberts, Ed Harris, Susan Sarandon, Jena Malone, Liam Aiken,
Lynn Whitfield, Darrell Larson. Sarandon can't come to terms with the fact
that her ex-husband Harris's new girlfriend Roberts has no feeling for their
kids. This triangular relationship is constantly in danger of exploding and
finally does when Roberts fails to look after the son, young Aiken. Sarandon
decides to fight for her children, at any cost, but is forced cooperate when
she learns that she may be incurably ill. Well-acted, especially by Sarandon,
but creates contradictory feelings in the viewer, as to whom of the women to
like. Satisfactory plot development makes this slightly overlong drama
recommendable, but Hollywood haters should stay away.

Step
Up (2006, USA) C-104m. Scope ** D: Anne Fletcher.
Starring Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Damaine Radcliffe, De’Shawn Washington,
Mario, Drew Sidora, Rachel Griffiths, Josh Henderson. Romantic comedy drama
about social underdog and foster child Tatum, who breaks into a dance and
drama school one day and destroys some props. He is caught by the police and
ordered to do some social work at that school. Since he can dance very well,
he is discovered by dance student Dewan, whose partner just injured himself. Contrived movie for dance
fanatics. Some of the editing in the early scenes is really good. Followed by
a sequel.

Sterben
im Reich der Wollust (2005, GER) C-75m.
n/r D: Eva Bense. German documentary about the Japanese obsession with
sex and death (eros and thanatos), which has become part of their culture.
Director Bense looks at the film history (from the Pink Eiga sexploitation
movies of the 1960s and 1970s to present-day erotic cinema), the sex industry
and interviews filmmakers and artists who work in this field. A good pick for
those interested in this aspect of Japanese culture, also contains some
interesting information for movie buffs.

St. Helens (1981, USA) C-90m. **½ D: Ernest Pintoff. Starring
Art Carney, David Huffman, Cassie Yates, Albert Salmi, Ron O’Neal, Tim
Thomerson. Obviously constructed story about the events leading up to 1980
eruption of Mount St. Helens. Geologist Huffman travels to St. Helens to
study it, Yates is his love interest. Carney plays a stubborn hermit called
Harry Truman. Characters are awfully clichéd, but still film has something
going for it. Quiet narrative, with lots of nature shots, punctuated by
devastating climax (with real footage). Interesting score by Goblin, of all
people. Also known as ST. HELENS, KILLER VOLCANO.

Stigmata (1999, USA) C-103m. Scope **½ D: Rupert Wainwright.
Starring Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne, Jonathan Pryce, Nia Long, Thomas
Kopache, Rade Serbedzija. Flashy, stylish camerawork (by Jeffrey L. Kimball,
who shot JACOB’S LADDER and TRUE ROMANCE) and direction save this otherwise
uninspired horror thriller about party girl Arquette, who one day suddenly
suffers Stigmata, the wounds of Jesus Christ upon crucifixion. Byrne, an investigator
from the Vatican, takes some time to figure out the meaning. Effective
despite a one-dimensional plot, film also comes up with a message at the end,
but serious movie goers might not last that long. The Smashing Pumpkins’
Billy Corgan contributed to the music score.

Still Smokin’ (1983, USA/NED)
C-91m. ** D: Tommy Chong. Starring Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Hans van
in’t Veld, Linnea Quigley. Fifth film venture for cult comedy duo Cheech
& Chong is one of their weakest. They travel to Amsterdam, where they
should attend a film festival. This premise serves as a framework for some
stand-up routines of the boys, most of which aren’t funny, some are even
tasteless. Only for their fans, who will probably like it (the wrestling
match with the invisible man is actually quite good).

Stir of Echoes, A (1999, USA) C-99m.
*** D: David Koepp. Starring Kevin Bacon, Kathryn Erbe, Kevin Dunn,
Illeana Douglas, Liza Weil. Eerie chiller about family father Bacon, who is
hypnotized by a friend and suddenly has frightening visions of murder.
Strangely, his five-year-old son may be in touch with a dead girl who is
haunting their Chicago home. Slightly predictable horror thriller bears
resemblance to the superior THE SIXTH SENSE but delivers the goods
nevertheless, with Bacon’s performance a highlight. Based on the novel by
Richard Matheson.

Stoner (1975, HGK/AUS/USA) C-103m. Scope ** D: Huang Feng. Starring George Lazenby,
Angela Mao, Samo Hung, Betty Ting-Pei, Yuen Wah. Solidly filmed but slowly
paced action thriller about Australian cop Stoner (Lazenby), who travels to
Hong Kong in order to infiltrate and stop crime syndicate that is getting its
latest drug, a heroin derivate, ready for the mass market. One of three Hong
Kong action films with Lazenby, made after he failed to hold on to the James
Bond role. Climactic fights are good, rest is too sluggish. Produced by
Raymond Chow and Leonard Ho. Also known as HONG KONG HITMAN and A MAN CALLED
STONER.

Storytelling (2001, USA) C-87m. **½ D: Todd
Solondz. Starring Selma Blair, Leo Fitzpatrick, Robert Wisdom, Paul Giamatti,
Xander Berkeley, Mark Webber, John Goodman, Julie Hagerty, Franka Potente,
Conan O’Brien. Another attack by Solondz (HAPPINESS) on American bourgeois manners in
this uneven two-part film. In the first story, student Blair has problems
with her disabled boyfriend and ultimately degrades herself. In the second,
longer segment, loser Giamatti tries his hands at documentary filmmaking and
starts following the life of aimless teenager Webber in a typical American
family. Provocative study of sexuality and teenage boredom has some daring
sequences and good performances, but ending is weak. Written by the director.

Strada, La (1953, ITA) 102m. ***½ D:
Federico Fellini. Starring Anthony Quinn, Giuiletta Masina, Richard Basehart,
Aldo Silvano, Marcella Rovere, Livia Venturini. Classic tragedy, Federico Fellini’s
first big international success. Simple but moving tale of young girl
(Masina) who is ‘sold’ to a varieté artist (Quinn) by her family and has to
endure his brutishness and rough treatment. On the road they encounter circus
clown Basehart, who offers her to travel with him, but the simple-minded
woman prefers to stay with her master, whom she obviously hopes to change.
Wide-eyed Masina (Fellini’s wife) is absolutely unfor-gettable, Quinn is no
less impressive. Fine score by Nino Rota. Script by Tullio Pinelli and the
director. Produced by Carlo Ponti and Dino de Laurentiis. Oscar-winner for
Best Foreign Film. Original version runs 115m. and may be an improvement over
102m. print that is shown on German television.

Strada per Forte Alamo, La (1964, ITA) C-67m. Scope **½ D: Mario Bava. Starring Ken Clark, Jany
Clair, Michel Lemoine, Adreina Paul. Rare Mario Bava western (his first) is a
rousing spectacle despite short running time. Outlaw Clark goes straight,
after an innocent woman gets killed in one of his bank robberies and defends
a caravan to Fort Alamo against violent hordes of Indians. Bava has created a
romantic western with an unusual but universal theme – the thin line between
good and evil. Made at the advent of Euro westerns, this is certainly his
best. Bava used the pseudonym John Old and also photographed the picture in
collaboration with Ubaldo Terzano. Good score by Piero Umiliani. Some prints
may run 82m. English titles: THE ROAD TO FORT ALAMO and ARIZONA BILL.

Strage dei Vampiri, La (1962, ITA) B&W-78m. **½ D: Roberto Mauri. Starring Walter
Brandi, Graziella Granata, Paolo Solvay (=Luigi Batzella), Dieter Eppler,
Alfredo Rizzo. Gothic horror film is a simplified version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Count Brandi and his wife
Granata celebrate their wedding, when a vampire appears and bites the bride.
Hapless Brandi finds help in doctor Nietzsche(!). Atmospheric vampire movie,
with good photography, a nice score and a seductive leading lady. Drawbacks:
Brandi and vampire Eppler give campy performances, and the pace is slow.
English titles: CURSE OF THE BLOOD GHOULS, CURSES OF THE GHOULS, and
SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES.

Straight Story, The (1999, USA/FRA)
C-111m. Scope *** D: David
Lynch. Starring Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Jane Heitz, Everett McGill,
Jennifer Edwards-Hughes, Harry Dean Stanton. Stubborn 73 year-old Alvin
Straight (Farnsworth), living a quiet suburban existence, repairs his
lawn-mower one day and intends to drive with it to his brother, who lives
more than 300 miles away. Straight hasn’t seen his brother Lyle in ten years
and considers it time to reconciliate with him, since Lyle has recently
suffered a stroke. Alvin encounters many different people on his way, most of
them he shares his ‘wisdoms’ with, but there are also those who spur him on
in his journey. As slowly paced as Straight’s odyssey, this film is a triumph
of acting. Farnsworth creates true fireworks (especially in the scene with
that fellow WW2 veteran). Spry cinematography by the legendary Freddie
Francis, who captures the American countryside in poetic images, heartfelt
score by Angelo Badalamenti. For director Lynch, an unusually soft-spoken
drama, out of step with the modern world of action movies. This will leave
the viewer somewhat changed after leaving the theatre. Based on a real story.
French title: UNE
HISTOIRE VRAIE.

Strange Days (1995, USA) C-144m. Scope ***½ D: Kathryn Bigelow.
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, Juliette Lewis, Tom Sizemore, Michael
Wincott, Vincent D’Onofrio, Glenn Plummer, Brigitte Bako, Richard Edson,
William Fichtner, Josef Sommer. Riveting, very well-made futuristic action
thriller: In 1999 L.A., ex-cop Fiennes has turned to dealing with so-called
Squid, CDs which contain recorded first-person experiences. Now, on the brink
of a new milllenium, a politically motivated killing causes street violence
and chaos. What’s more, a killer is using the device to record his murders.
Fiennes looks for help in tough driver Bassett, while his ex-girlfriend Lewis
has now joined villain Wincott. Stylish, intriguing sci-fi thriller, from a
story by James Cameron. Fiennes is excellent in this BLADE RUNNER (1982)
deviate.

Strangeland (1998, USA) C-81m. ** D: John
Pieplow. Starring Kevin Gage, Elizabeth Pena, Brett Harrelson, Robert Englund, Linda Cardellini,
Tucker Smallwood, Dee Snider. Grisly modern horror thriller starring
performance artist Snider as an excessively tattooed and pierced serial
killer who abducts, abuses teen girls and stitches their mouths shut.
Detective Gage is the one who must track him down. Not bad in terms of
direction, even the plot tries to be unpredictable, but film itself is hardly
exceptional. Englund and Pena have cameos at best. Also known as DEE SNIDER’S
STRANGELAND.

Stranger in Our House (1978, USA) C-93m.
** D: Wes Craven. Starring Linda Blair, Lee Purcell, Jeremy Slate, Jeff
McCracken, Fran Drescher. After LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and HILLS HAVE EYES, director
Craven went on to make this incredibly tame but okay TV movie. After her
parents die in a car crash, Blair’s cousin goes to live with them and soon
strange things start to happen. Is it witchcraft? Watchable but Craven fans
will miss his humour and horror. Also known as SUMMER OF FEAR.

Stranger Than Fiction (2006, USA) C-113m.
**½ D: Marc Forster. Starring Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma
Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, Tom Hulce, Linda Hunt. Fantasy drama
about Ferrell, who leads an exceptionally boring life working for the IRS.
One day he hears a voice that seems to be narrating his life, and when that
voice announces his pending death, Ferrell is anxious to find out who the
voice is. Actually it belongs to acclaimed writer Thompson, whose latest
novel seems to be about him. Comedy drama ahs some good performances, but
script works on a few coincidences and unlikelihoods too many. The score is
good.

Stranger Than Paradise (1984, USA/GER) 89m.
*** D: Jim Jarmusch. Starring John Lurie, Eszter Balint, Richard Edson,
Cecilla Stark, Tom DiCillo. Original, independently filmed road-movie about
three disoriented, aimless young people touring America. Jarmusch’s first
feature film (expanded from a 30m. short) takes the viewer on a black-and-white
odyssey through a strange place. Stylish, slow, with dry humor, film is not
for all tastes but fascinating once you are attuned to it. Winner of the
Camera D’Or in Cannes (Tom DiCillo) and Best Film in Locarno. Written and
edited by the director. Paul Bartel and Wim Wenders receive special thanks.

Strangolatore di Vienna, Lo (1972, ITA/GER) C-81m. **
D: Guido Zurli. Starring Victor Buono, Brad Harris, Franca Polesello, Karin Field,
John Ireland. Buono plays a butcher, who has just been released from the nut
house, where he spent three years after hitting somebody with a liver(!).
Once back he takes up his business again, much to the chagrin of his wife.
Soon he’ll find a new way of stuffing his sausages. Gulp! Horror film with
black humor has nice Viennese settings but doesn’t thrill or create suspense.
Buono seemingly recreates his role from the 1964 THE STRANGLER. A curio, for
buffs. Interesting score by Alex Alexander. English titles: THE MAD BUTCHER,
THE MAD BUTCHER OF VIENNA, MEAT IS MEAT, THE STRANGLER OF VIENNA, THE VIENNA
STRANGLER.

Strano Vizio della Signora Wardh, Lo (1971, ITA/SPA) C-100m. Scope *** D: Sergio Martino.
Starring George Hilton, Edwige Fenech, Ivan Rassimov, Alberto de Mendoza,
Cristina (Conchita) Airoldi, Carlo Alighiero. Interesting giallo-mystery about
Fenech, the bored wife of businessman de Mendoza, who seems to have
masochistic fantasies involving former lover Rassimov. During a stay in
Vienna, she becomes involved with ladykiller Hilton, while there is a real
killer stalking young women at night. Serpentine story does not always make
sense, and film has some pacing flaws, but overall remains a most watchable
thriller with stylish, creative direction and a good score by Nora Orlandi
(reused by Quentin Tarantino in KILL BILL: VOL.2!). Fenech’s tour-de-force
performance makes this an absolute must for her fans. More in Dario Argento’s
psychological mold than other examples of this genre. Cowritten by Ernesto
Gastaldi. Beware edited prints. English titles: BLADE OF THE RIPPER, NEXT!,
THE NEXT VICTIM, and THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH.

Strategia del Ragno, La (1970, ITA) C-100m.
***½ D: Bernardo Bertolucci. Starring Giulio Brogi, Alida Valli, Pippo
Campanini, Franco
Giovanelli, Tino Scotti, Allen Midgette. Stunning mystery drama about
Brogi’s visit of a quiet village somewhere in rural Italy. He intends to find
out the truth about his father, a revered anti-Fascist, who was murdered
there in 1936. Valli, his father’s former lover, seems to be the only person
happy to see him. Why are the other inhabitants behaving so strangely?
Bertolucci’s brilliant direction shows a man seeking for a truth which
constantly evades him, which, in turn, keeps him going. Enigmatic,
beautifully shot, a must-see, although this sometimes seems like a cinematic
experiment. Valli is excellent. Photographed by Vittorio Storaro, fine use of
music by Verdi and Schönberg. Based on the story ‘Theme of the Traitor and
Hero’ by Jorge Luis Borges. English title: THE SPIDER’S STRATAGEM.

Straw Dogs (1972, USA) C-118m.***½ D: Sam Peckinpah. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Susan George.
Mathematician Hoffman moves to rural Cornwall with his beautiful wife and
finds himself menaced by the local people. Superbly edited, well-filmed
treatise on violence with Hoffman delivering a first-rate per-formance. This
thriller-drama rates among Peckinpah’s best films, with the showdown a real
stunner.

Street Fighter, The (1974, JAP) C-91m. Scope *** D: Shigehiro Ozawa.
Starring Sonny Chiba, Doris Nakajima. Tough, violent eastern featuring Sonny
Chiba in his breakthrough role: he plays a man without compromise, who lives
by his own code of ethics. This first of four STREET FIGHTER films details
his one-man battle against the Yakuza. Technically well-made but with a
poorly constructed plot, film benefits from Chiba’s fierce portrayal of the
hero. The showdown is the definite highlight. Followed by RETURN OF THE
STREET FIGHTER.

Street Trash (1987, USA) C-102m. M D: Jim Muro. Starring Mike
Lackey, Bill Chepil, Marc Sferrazza, Jane Arakawa, Nicole Potter, Roy
Frumkes. Infamous
splatter movie about a deadly booze that makes local bums melt. A low-budget
mess that lives up to its title. Rather poor effects, an absolutely dreadful
picture. One wonders what Peter Jackson might have made of this material.
Written by Roy Frumkes (DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD).

Strings (2004, DEN/SWE/NOR/GBR) C-92m. Scope **** D: Anders Ronnow Klarlund. Starring (the
voices of) James McAvoy, Catherine McCormack, Julian Glover, Derek Jacobi, Ian
Hart, Claire Skinner, David Harewood, Samantha Bond. Beautiful, poetic
fantasy drama set in a mystic kingdom of puppets, whose strings reach up into
the heavens. After the suicide of the king, his son is deceived by his uncle
into believing his father was murdered by the enemy, so he sets out to get
his revenge, little-knowing that the man accompanying him has been ordered to
kill him. Meanwhile, his sister becomes wooed by the evil army commander and
his uncle is preparing for the throne. While it may take a while to get
attuned to wooden puppets acting out a story, this easily manages to engross
you, as it’s superbly directed, with incredibly atmospheric, stylish
cinematography and an excellent classical score. Philosophical plot is epic
in its proportions, almost Shakespearean. Even the puppets have a hauntingly
beautiful aura. A must-see, but a bit too dramatic for young children.
Despite its extensive festival run, it remains too little known, may become a
cult film. Movie references range from STAR WARS to LORD OF THE RINGS. From the director of BESAT
(1999).

Stripes (1981, USA) C-106m. **½ D: Ivan Reitman. Starring
Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates, P.J. Soles, Sean Young, John Candy, John
Larroquette, Judge Reinhold, Bill Paxton. Low-brow but engaging comedy with a
cast of stars-to-be. Loser Murray enlists in the army with his pal Ramis and
turns the whole company upside down. Some funny, raunchy bits, a cult film
for some. Cowritten by Ramis, who would later direct Murray in GROUNDHOG DAY.

Stuart Little (1999, USA) C-82m.
**½ D: Rob Minkoff. Starring Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki,
Jeffrey Jones, Julia Sweeney, Estelle Getty and the voices of Michael J. Fox,
Nathan Lane, Chazz Palmintieri, Jennifer Tilly, Bruno Kirby. Fantasy comedy
about little orphaned mouse Stuart Little, who is adopted by a family and
must make friends with his new brother – and the cat who’d rather have him
out of the house. Cute is the word to describe this comedy, which comes up
with dazzling animal effects, but might not appeal to anyone older than 7.
Based on a novel by E. B. White.

Stuck (2007,
USA/CDN/GBR/GER) C-85m. *½ D: Stuart Gordon. Starring Mena Suvari,
Stephen Rea, Russell Hornsby, Rukiya Bernard, Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, Stuart Gordon.
Another low-point in RE-ANIMATOR (1985) directorStuart Gordon’s
career (not to mention Suvari’s). Based on a true story, this real-life
horror story is about a nurse (Suvari) who runs over a bum (Rea) with her car
– only he gets stuck in her windshield and survives. She panicks and doesn’t
know what to do. Rather pointless, shock and suspense-free story that would
have been okay as a 60-minute Masters of Horror episode, but as a feature
it’s too weak.

Study in Terror, A (1965, GBR) C-84m.
*** D: James Hill. Starring John Neville, Donald Houston, John Fraser,
Anthony Quayle, Robert Morley, Barbara Windsor, Adrienne Corri, Frank Finlay,
Judi Dench, Peter Carsten, Christiane Maybach, Charles Régnier. Victorian
sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Neville) investigates killings of prostitutes in
London’s Whitechapel, must face infamous Jack the Ripper. Excellent cast in
mystery thriller that’s always on-target, exciting during finale. Good
British filmmaking, with atmospheric cinematography by Desmond Dickinson. Based
on a story written by Ellery Queen, character of Holmes of course based on
writings by Arthur Conan Doyle. Also known as FOG and reportedly shown at
94m.

Stuff, The (1985, USA) C-87m.
**½ D: Larry Cohen. Starring Michael Moriarty, Andrea Marcovicci, Garrett
Morris, Paul Sorvino, Scott Bloom, Danny Aiello, James Dixon, Brooke Adams.
Quite funny, entertaining horror comedy about a new dairy product, titled
‘The Stuff’, which turns out to be addictive - and lethal. Not bad, with
surprisingly good effects, but some plot elements are improbable, even for a
horror film. Moriarty is almost too laid-back as an industrial spy trying to
get behind the recipe. Director Cohen (Q, IT’S ALIVE) also scripted and
executive produced the film. Also shown at 93m.

subUrbia (1996, USA) C-121m.
*** D: Richard Linklater. Starring Giovanni Ribisi, Steve Zahn, Annie
Carey, Samia Shoaib, Ajay Naidu, Nicky Katt, Jayce Bartok, Parker Posey, Dina
Spybey. Scathing, compelling portrayal of an aimless youth, from the director
of SLACKER and BEFORE SUNRISE. A group of 20 year-olds, sick and tired of
their life, hang out in a suburban parking lot, conversing about racism,
fame, sex and their futures. The visit of a former pal - now a famous rock
star - stirs up emotions in them as they begin contemplating the point of
their existence. Intelligent script by Eric Bogosian (whose stage play this
is based on) and outstanding performances (especially Ribisi’s) make this a
must for anyone who can identify with what is being discussed in the film.
Music composed and performed by cult band Sonic Youth; the entire soundtrack
(which features other bands, too) is fine.

Suchîmubôi (2004, JAP) C-126m. ***½ D: Katsuhiro Otômo. Starring (the
voices of) Anne Suzuki, Masane Tsukayama, Katsuo Nakamura, Manami Konishi,
Kiyoshi Kodama. Amazing science-fiction anime does not take place in the
future but in 1860s England, which is brimming with new inventions at the
start of the Industrial Revolution. Young Jimmy Ray Steam’s father and
grandfather have developed an extremely powerful steam-driven device by
capturing a geysir in Iceland, and now everyone seems to be after it, in
order to present it at the world EXPO in London. With his father corrupted by
the machine’s power, the boy is at a loss who to trust and to believe when he
comes in possession of the device. Spectacular, riveting anime maintains a
fever pitch and is stunningly animated, with incredibly detailed depictions
of Victorian buildings and life. Excellent score by Steve Jablonsky. From the
director of AKIRA (1991), who spent no less than 8 years on this. Beware
106m. version. English title: STEAMBOY.

Sudden Fury (1975, CDN) C-91m. **½ D: D. Brian Damude. Starring Dominic Hogan,
Dan Hennessey, Hollis McLaren, David Yorston, Gay Rowan. On a trip through
the country-side, a couple starts quarreling about the woman’s inheritance.
After a terrible accident, the man sees the chance of getting rid of his
wife… if it wasn’t for a car driver that saw them both. Story-driven,
intriguing little thriller, too redundant in spots, but a pleasant surprise
for those willing to discover it.

Sudden Impact (1983, USA) C-117m.
**½ D: Clint Eastwood. Starring Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle,
Bradford Dillman, Paul Drake. Third sequel to DIRTY HARRY has Eastwood go
after female revenge killers. Not much originality, but solidly filmed, even
exciting, a definite showcase for Eastwood’s macho character. Violent and
nasty, but this is why HARRY is DIRTY. Fans of the series will like it. Score
by Lalo Schifrin. Followed by THE DEAD POOL.

Sugar & Spice (2001, USA) C-84m. Scope **½ D: Francine McDougall. Starring Marla Sokoloff,
Marley Shelton, Melissa George, Mena Suvari, Rachel Blanchard, Alexandra
Holden, Sara Marsh, James Marsden, Sean Young, Kurt Loder, Jerry Springer,
Conan O’Brien. Quite amusing farcical comedy about a group of cheerleaders,
one of whom (Shelton) is pregnant by her highschool sweetheart (Marsden).
When she learns the hardships of life, she and her friends decide to rob a
bank, seeking advice from old movies. Starts out as a fast-paced homage to
such 90s classics as RESERVOIR DOGS (1992) or SCREAM (1996) with a teen
twist, but script becomes a little too silly in second half. Short running
time helps.

Sugar Colt (1966, ITA/SPA)
C-106m. Scope ** D: Franco
Giraldi. Starring Hunt Powers (=Jack Betts), James Parker (=Joaquín Parra),
Soledad Miranda, Georges Rigaud. Former gunslinger Powers is hired to clear up
mystery of disappeared army corps, who were returning from the Civil War
(circa 1866). He disguises as a doctor and travels to Snake Valley, the place
of the supposed disappearance. Direction, editing not bad, has a better
screenplay than usual, but film is overlong and story is dull. For patient
western fans. Star Powers looks like a young George Clooney.

Sugar Hill (1974, USA) C-91m.
** D: Paul Maslansky. Starring Marki Bey, Robert Quarry, Don Pedro
Colley, Richard Lawson, Betty Anne Rees, Zara Cully. Interesting but poorly
plotted and slowly paced blaxploitation horror movie about title character
(Bey) who conjures up an army of black zombies in order to avenge the murder
of her lover. Effective arrangements of faces, otherwise pretty flat. Originality
boosts this rating from *½ to **. Also shown at 83m.
Alternative titles: VOODOO WOMAN and THE ZOMBIES OF SUGAR HILL.

Sugarland Express (1974, USA) C-110m. Scope***½ D:
Steven Spielberg. Starring Goldie Hawn, Ben Johnson, Michael Sacks, William Atherton,
Gregory Walcott, Steve Kanaly. Young mother Hawn helps her husband Atherton
to flee from a correctional facility, and together they take it on the lam
(fleeing from dozens of police cars) to pick up their child from a foster
family in Sugarland, Texas. Soon their naïve determination turns them into
heroes, with hundreds of people spurning them on in their plight. Stunning,
first-rate drama with a great sense of humour, well-directed (this was
Spielberg’s first theatrical feature!) and lushly photographed by Vilmos
Zsigmond. Atherton gives the performance of a lifetime. The finale is
especially effective and shows a maturity not to be found in most other debut
films. Score by John Williams.

Sûito
Homu (1989, JAP)
C-100m. **½ D: Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Starring Juzo Itami, Nobuko Miyamoto,
Nokko, Shingo Yamashiro, Tsutomu Yamazaki. Uneven mix of horror and comedy
about a television crew, who are granted access to a mysterious mansion that
is said to be haunted. They want to make a documentary about the works of an
artist who died there 30 years ago, but soon find themselves in eerie
situations. The characters are caricatures, but film wants to sell you
serious horror with potent splatter effects, so this isn’t convincing and
will work only for hardcore fans, others beware. A major hit in Japan, also
adapted as a video game. Good cinematography. Written by the director.
English title: SWEET HOME.

Sum
of All Fears, The (2002, USA/GER)
C-124m. Scope **½ D: Phil Alden
Robinson. Starring Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, James Cromwell, Ken Jenkins,
Liev Schreiber, Bruce McGill, John Beasley, Philip Baker Hall, Alan Bates,
Bridget Moynahan, Josef Sommer, Ciarán Hinds, Ron Rifkin. Tom Clancy
adaptation with Affleck taking over Jack Ryan role from Harrison Ford. The
CIA man becomes a key figure in a conflict between the U.S. and Russia
deliberately created by Neo-Nazi Bates, who is in possession of an old atomic
bomb and intends the super-powers to wipe out each other. Script is
preposterous, but entertainment and excitement you cannot deny. One of Jerry Goldsmith’s last
film scores.

Sung
Horn (2003, THA) C-80m. ** D:
Thammarak Kamuttmanoch. Starring Apichej Kittikornjaroen, Woravej Danuwong,
Kavee Tanjararak, Supatchaya Reunreung, Pisamai Wilaisak. Three young men who
have known each other since childhood and are colleagues at work have strange
encounters with 3 different people. One of them, an old woman, seems to be
able to foretell the future. What does this all mean? Good question. The
famous Pang brothers (writers and editors) leave us groping in the dark for
too long and film isn’t very well made. A sub-par mystery with a competent
score. English title: OMEN.

Sunshine (2007, GBR/USA) C-107m. Scope *** D: Danny Boyle.
Starring Cillian Murphy, Cliff Curtis, Michelle Yeoh, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rose
Byrne, Benedict Wong, Chris Evans, Troy Garity, Mark Strong. In the near
future, mankind faces extinction due to a dying sun. Something is preventing
nuclear fusion to take place and has turned the Earth into a frozen
wasteland. Years after a failed mission, another spaceship, Icarus 2, is sent
to the sun with a massive bomb intended to be dropped into the star to
restart it. The mission is mankind’s last hope. Well-made, suspenseful
science-fiction thriller with (appropriate) nods to Kubrick and Scott has a
few unnecessary, contrived script complications, but it’s all feasible and
remains compelling throughout. Good, symphonic score by Underworld. Fine
effects. Written by Alex Garland.

Superbad (2007, USA)
C-119m. **½ D: Greg Mottola. Starring Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill
Hader, Seth Rogen, Martha MacIsaac, Emma Stone. Three high school seniors are
looking forward to their last party before college and intend to have fun
with girls and alcohol, but their fake ID doesn’t work and they go on an
oddyssey through the night to get alcohol, meeting all kinds of demented
characters. Comedy starts out hilarious and maintains this pitch for half an
hour, but then the policemen joke is padded out over the rest of the film,
which is kind of annoying. For the AMERICAN PIE crowd.

Supercolpo da 7 Miliardi (1967, ITA) C-101m. **½
D: Bitto Albertini. Starring Brad Harris, Elina De Witt, Franco Andrei, Ferdinando
Poggi, Arrigo Peri, Dana Andrews. Agreeable Euro-heist movie features Harris as a
James Bond-like specialist, who prepares for a daring diamond robbery: He
wants to steal the world’s largest diamond from a ship by docking on it with
a submarine and drilling a hole in the hull! Interesting heist sequences
should satisfy fans. English titles: THE 1000 CARAT DIAMOND, and THE TEN
MILLION DOLLAR GRAB.

Superfly (1972, USA) C-93m. **½ D:
Gordon Parks Jr. Starring Ron O’Neal, Carl Lee, Sheila Frazier, Julius
Harris, Charles McGregor. 70s blaxploitation cult about drug pusher O’Neal, whose life is
followed until his attempts to break out of the business. Hardly any plot or
action worth speaking of, only some groovy music (by Curtis Mayfield) and the
general blaxploitation coolness. Followed by SUPERFLY T.N.T. (1973) and THE
RETURN OF SUPERFLY (1990).

Superman (1978, GBR) C-143m. Scope **½ D: Richard Donner.
Starring Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper,
Glenn Ford, Trevor Howard, Margot Kidder, Jack O’Halloran, Valerie Perrine,
Maria Schell, Terence Stamp, Phyllis Thaxter, Susannah York, Larry Hagman,
John Ratzenberger, Richard Donner. Long-awaited modern-day send-up of the
famous comic (and 40s/50s serial) is nothing but grand-scale tomfoolery. Film
follows the Man of Steel’s upbringing, youth and manhood – from the Planet
Krypton, via his foster parents’ Smallville to Metropolis (New York in
disguise), where he must finally come to terms with his superpowers and
defend his city against megalomaniac Hackman. Longish story setup,
unexciting, often redundant plot and relatively poor effects put the legend
to shame. It’s more a drama for Supie’s fans than a thrilling action movie.
Won many rave reviews when originally released. Robert Benton and Mario
Puzo(!) were among the writers, Richard Lester coproduced sans credit. John
Williams’ score is strangely unmemorable. Co-edited by Stuart Baird.
Photographed by Geoffrey Unsworth. Winner of a Special Oscar for Visual
Effects. Restored to 151m. in 2000. Followed by three sequels.

Superman II (1980, GBR) C-127m. Scope ** D: Richard Lester.
Starring Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Sarah
Douglas, Margot Kidder, Jack O’Halloran, Valerie Perrine, Susannah York,
Clifton James, E.G. Marshall, Terence Stamp, John Ratzenberger, Richard
Donner. In
this sequel, Superman must battle escaped criminal Luthor (Hackman) and three
galactic villains, who were introduced in the first film. The superhero also
finally makes out with Lois Lane (Kidder). Plot is childish and at the same
time also violent and mean-spirited. All scenes involving the villains (led
by Stamp) are utterly annoying. Filmed back-to-back with the original
SUPERMAN, with much of the same crew. Some alternative versions are in
circulation. Followed by SUPERMAN III.

Superman Returns
(2006, USA/AUS) C-154m. SCOPE *** D: Bryan Singer. Starring
Brando Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank
Langella, Sam Huntington, Eva Marie Saint. Entertaining revival of the DC
comics superhero. Superman (Routh) returns after being gone for 5 years (and
still looks like he’s in his early 20s). Lois Lane (Bosworth) is married and
has a son, and Lex Luthor (Spacey) is bent on world domination again.
Spectacular special effects enliven this often overlong fantasy. There’s not
much plot to be had, but it’s professionally done by the X-MEN director.

Supernova (2000, USA) C-91m. Scope **½ D: Thomas Lee. Starring James Spader, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster, Lou
Diamond Phillips, Peter Facinelli, Robin Tunney. A rescue ship receives a distress
call from deep space, and when they arrive there, they lose almost all of
their fuel. A blue giant nearby might be on the verge of turning into a
supernova, and then a survivor approaches the vessel, carrying an unusual
object that emanates a deadly force. Direction, editing, cinematography are
tops in this sci-fi horror movie that isn’t always on-target plotwise but
manages to create suspense. Excellent special-effects. Recommended to sci-fi
fans. Thomas Lee is a pseudonym for Walter Hill, who had his name removed
during post-production. Film was reportedly edited by Francis Ford Coppola
and Jack Sholder!

Super Power (1979, HGK) C-85m. Scope ** D: Lin Chin Wie. Starring
Carl R. Scott, Billy Chong. When an influential man refuses to side with
opium smugglers, they try to kill him and face fierce opposition in the man’s
sons. Very violent kung fu actioner set in modern day Hong Kong is pretty
dull but improves in the second half. Nothing extraordinary, though.

Super Size Me (2004, USA) C-104m.
*** D: Morgan Spurlock. Naive experiment becomes starting point for
interesting examination of America’s eating habits, as every-day guy Spurlock
decides to live off McDonald’s food (and nothing but) for a period of 30
days. Three doctors, his girlfriend and himself comment on the truly alarming
changes in his body (and mind). Throughout we are told some unsettling facts
about what and how we eat. A Michael Moore-like attack on the fast-food
industry and its customers that includes some bitter truths. Interestingly,
McDonald’s dropped the Super Size Me option on its meals soon after film
premiered.

Superstition (1982, CDN) C-88m.
** D: James W. Roberson. Starring James Houghton, Albert Salmi, Lynn
Carlin, Larry Pennell. A 17th century witch, drowned instead of
burned, resurfaces in the present day to kill a family who have just moved
into their new house. Standard witch horror, unimaginatively directed and
rather pretentious, still has some effective scenes. Horror buffs might want
to give this one a look, it’s surprisingly watchable despite flaws. Produced
by Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna (one of their first films). Also known as
THE WITCH in many countries.

Supervixens (1975, USA) C-102m.
** D: Russ Meyer. Starring Shari Eubank, Charles Napier, Uschi Digard,
Henry Rowland, Christy Hartburg, Sharon Kelly, John LaZar, Stuart Lancaster, Haji, Russ
Meyer. Bizarre,
almost surreal sex film about a man who runs from the law because he is
suspected of having killed his lover. On his journey through the desert he
meets several characters, most of them randy women with large breasts.
Episodic, overlong film is helped by some comic relief, good editing (by
Meyer himself) and a delicious performance by Charles Napier as a deranged,
impotent lawman. Meyer also produced, wrote, and photographed the film. Art
direction by Michel Levesque (SWEET SUGAR). Originally 105m.

Surf’s
Up (2007, USA) C-82m. **½ D: Ash
Brannon, Chris Buck. Starring (the voices of) Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges,
Zooey Deschanel, Jon Heder, James Woods, Diedrich Bader, Mario Cantone, Kelly
Slater, Ash Brannon, Chris Buck. Animated comedy about penguin surfer Cody
(LaBeouf), who travels from Antarctica all the way to a Pacific island, where
the annual Big Z memorial contest takes place (to mark the anniversary of the
legendary surfer’s death in the waves). It’s a hyped-up event, and our little
hero seems to stand no chance against superstar Tank (Bader), when he meets
someone special in the island’s jungle. Some impressive animation, especially
in the surfing scenes, but not funny or gripping enough to make it stand out.
You have to give the filmmakers credit for using a documentary-like approach
(with the two directors providing the off-screen voices of the crew), but
smaller children will probably not understand that.

Surrogates (2009, USA)
C-89m. SCOPE *** D: Jonathan Mostow. Starring Bruce Willis, Radha
Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Francis Ginty, James Cromwell,
Ving Rhames. Interesting
science-fiction thriller that utilizes themes from sci-fi writer Philip K.
Dick (BLADE RUNNER, TOTAL RECALL). In the not-so distant future most people
make use of so-called Surrogates, incredibly human-like androids that can be
remote-controlled from the users‘ homes. They see, hear and feel everything
that their surrogates do. Willis is a cop who investigates a possible murder
– the first in years – and interviews Crimwell, the renegade inventor of the
surrogates. Not a world-beater, but entertaining, exciting and fun to watch.
Based on a graphic novel by Robert Venditti and Brett Weldele.

Sur un Arbre Perché (1970, FRA/ITA) C-86m. **½ D: Serge Korber. Starring Louis de Funès,
Geraldine Chaplin, Olivier de Funès, Pierre Richard. Rather silly comedy about highway
magnate de Funès misfortunes when he picks up two hitchhikers and has an
accident, driving off a cliff. The car’s fall is stopped by a tree growing
out of the rocks! Consequently they spend several days getting to know each
other and waiting for help. Energetic de Funès must sit still for once and
apart from some fine photography, film remains flat. Film buffs are called to
attention: The Nosferatu-spoof as film within the film is a riot! Otherwise
the film features a little bit of everything. Mostly for fans of the comedian
and the time period.

Survive Style 5+ (2004, JAP) C-120m.
**½ D: Gen Sekiguchi. Starring Tadanobu Asano, Reika Hashimoto, Kyôko
Koizumi, Hiroshi Abe, Ittoko Kishibe, Yumi Asou, Vinnie Jones, Sonny Chiba.
Completely whacked-out cult thriller fantasy about several characters whose
lives are intertwined: Asano wants his wife dead – and stay dead – and hired
killer Jones should do the job. In another plot strand a family father is
hypnotised into believing he’s a chicken, with the weirdest results. Goes
from hypnotic to pretentious in the wink of an eye, but has to be seen to be
believed. Jones has the best scenes as the impulsive hitman, who keeps asking
everyone “What is your function in life?” For cult movie fans.

Suspect, The (1944, USA) 85m. ***
D: Robert Siodmak. Starring Charles Laughton, Ella Raines, Dean Harens, Molly
Lamont, Henry Daniell, Rosalind Ivan. Laughton’s marriage is unhappy (to say
the least) but his wife Ivan won’t divorce him, not even when he dates
beautiful Raines. Murder seems the only possible solution. Laughton is fine
in good suspenser. Ivan may be the bitchiest wife in movie history. Based on This
Way Out, a novel by James Ronald.

Suspects, Les (1974, FRA/ITA) C-88m. ** D:
Michel Wyn. Starring
Mimsy Farmer, Paul Meurisse, Michel Bouquet, Michel Lonsdale, Luigi Pistilli,
Edmund Purdom. Murder mystery, fashioned like a police report, which tries to
reconstruct the weeks leading up to American tourist Farmer’s murder. Solidly
filmed, with a good cast, but uninteresting and boring. Based on a novel by
Paul Andréota.

Suspiria (1977, ITA) C-98m. Scope ***½ D: Dario Argento.
Starring Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Joan Bennett, Alida Valli, Flavio
Bucci, Udo Kier, Rudolf Schündler. Argento’s follow-up to PROFONDO ROSSO was to be his
breakthrough film, a breathtaking symphony of terror about a young American
student (Harper) who comes to a ballet school in Freiburg, Germany, and
slowly discovers that it is ruled by an evil witch. Chilling, terrifying
horror opus punches its shock scenes across, brilliant soundtrack (by Goblin
and Dario Argento) contributes to one of the densest, most hauntingly
sinister atmospheres ever created on film. Superb art direction and
cinematography (by Luciano Tovoli) plunge the architecture of the sets in
stylish red and blue. Perhaps Argento’s artistically most accomplished piece
of work. Watch it in a theater for maximum effect. SUSPIRIA is the first part
of the (unfinished) ‘Three Mothers’-trilogy, based on Suspiria de
Profundis by Thomas de Quincey. Screenplay by Argento and Daria Nicolodi.
Produced by Claudio Argento (SANTA SANGRE). Followed by INFERNO in 1980.

Suture (1993, USA) C-96m. *** D: Scott McGehee, David Siegel. Starring Dennis
Haysbert, Mel Harris, Sab Shimono, Dina Merrill, Michael Harris. Remarkable,
intelligent drama about identity and how it can be asserted and understood.
After the murder of their father, two half-brothers (Haysbert, Michael
Harris) are re-united. Miller cold-bloodedly plots to use their striking
resemblance to switch identites by killing Haysbert with a car bomb, so that
he is rid of suspicions involving the death of their father. However,
Haysbert survives the explosion – as an amnesiac – and unknowingly is taken
for his half-brother. An intriguing point only the audience knows: The
brothers actually don’t resemble each other at all, as Miller is white and
Haysbert is black! Complicated, uneven, slow, but highly interesting, with
some good acting and a riveting finale. Siegel and McGehee’s first film was
executive produced by Steven Soderbergh.

Svegliati e Uccidi (Lutring) (1966, ITA/FRA) C-102m. *½
D: Carlo Lizzani. Starring Robert Hoffmann, Lisa Gastoni, Gian Maria Volonté,
Claudio Camaso, Renato Niccolai, Ottavio Fanfani. Early Italian crime movie lacks the
pace and verve of later examples. Film chronicles the relationship between
jewel thief Hoffmann and nightclub singer Gastoni, as they run from the
police. Then Gastoni contacts the commissioner to prevent Hoffmann from
getting in too deep. Barely interesting. Edited by Franco Fraticelli. A song
is by Ennio Morricone. English titles: TOO SOON TO DIE, WAKE UP AND DIE.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of
Fleet Street (2007, USA/GBR) C-116m. *** D: Tim
Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy
Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jamie Campbell Bower, Laura Michelle Kelly. Tim
Burton takes us to 19th century London, where barber Depp returns
after spending 15 years in exile. He intends to get his revenge on corrupt
judge Rickman, who once stole his wife and his now planning to marry his
daughter. Depp, using a new persona, joins forces with widow Carter, who
takes him up in her house. Soon there is murder and mayhem. Beautifully
designed musical, right out of Burton’s universe. Great songs, too.
Oscar-winner for Best Art Direction.

Sweet Angel Mine (1996, CDN/GBR)
C-89m. ** D: Curtis Radclyffe. Starring Oliver Milburn, Margaret
Langrick, Anna Massey, Alberta Watson. A young man searching for his lost
father stumbles upon a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, which is inhabited
by three women, mother, daughter and grandmother. Odd psycho thriller whose
script is so enigmatic it seems pretentious. Some of the photo-graphy is nice
and the guitar score not bad either. Worth a look but depends on your
taste.

Sweet Bird of Youth (1962, USA) C-120m. Scope ***½ D: Richard Brooks.
Starring Paul Newman, Geraldine Page, Shirley Knight, Ed Begley, Rip Torn,
Mildred Dunnock, Madeleine Sherwood, Philip Abbot, Corey Allen.
Writer-director Brooks’ second adaptation of a Tennessee Williams play after
the classic CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Newman again excels in the lead role as an
ambitious young man who returns to his hometown after seeking his fortune in
Hollywood. All he has come back with is an alcoholic former movie queen
(Page). Influential politician Begley, whose daughter Newman once planned to
marry, does not want to have him in town. There are indications that this
play about people lost in their dreams and hopes may have been better in the
original stage version. Still, the superb cast makes this a memorable
experience. Begley won an Oscar for his commanding performance.

Sweetest Thing, The (2002, USA) C-90m.
*½ D: Roger Kumble. Starring Cameron Diaz, Chrisitna Applegate, Thomas Jane,
Selma Blair, Parker Posey, Lillian Adams, Jason Bateman, James Mangold,
Johnathon Schaech. Obnoxious comedy about a trio of girlfriends (late twens,
presumably), who are all looking for fun… and Mr Right. One day Diaz passes
up the opportunity to date Jane, then decides to follow him across the state
to his brother’s wedding. Filled with pointless, mostly unfunny vignettes and
at least one awful song. Rather dumb film targeted at women has a handful of
amusing scenes to save it from total disaster. From the director of CRUEL
INTENTIONS (1999).

Sweet Hereafter, The (1997, CDN) C-110m. Scope ***½ D: Atom Egoyan.
Starring Ian Holm, Sarah Polley, Bruce Greenwood, Tom McCamus, Arsinée
Khanjian, Alberta Watson, Gabrielle Rose, Maury Chaykin, David Hemblen.
Egoyan’s best film, adapted from a novel by Russell Banks. Lawyer Holm
travels to remote Canadian town which has been shattered by a school-bus
accident that killed nearly all of the town’s children. He tries to persuade
the mourning parents to sue whoever may be responsible – if in fact anybody
is. Holm’s motivation is his drug-addicted daughter, whom he hasn’t seen in a
long time, but who keeps calling him for help – which he isn’t ready to give.
Stunning film, operating on three time levels, is richly textured and
superbly acted, especially by Holm. Slow, but very rewarding, an experience
you will not soon forget. Egoyan also produced. Winner of the Palm D’Or at
the Cannes Film Festival.

Sweet Home Alabama (2002, USA) C-108m. Scope ** D: Andy Tennant.
Starring Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey, Candice Bergen, Mary
Kay Place, Fred Ward. Utterly contrived comedy about hot-shot fashion
designer Witherspoon, whose upcoming marriage to the son (Dempsey) of the New
York mayoress (Bergen) may be prevented by one obstacle: She’s still married
to some guy in her home-town of Greenville, Alabama. She travels there,
intending to get her divorce, but the past catches up with her. Some good
performances make this scripting mess watchable. Goes expectedly overboard in
the finale. For fans of Witherspoon (who’s gorgeous).

Sweet November (2001, USA) C-119m.
*½ D: Pat O’Connor. Starring Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, Jason Isaacs,
Greg Germann, Liam Aiken, Frank Langella. Romantic drama about ad exec
Reeves, who lives for work, until he loses both his job and his girlfriend
one day. How convenient that beauty Theron has just offered him to spend a
month with him to cure him of stress and other bad character traits.
Artificial and contrived from the word go, this drama turns into a
tear-jerker at the end and becomes very annoying. Theron seems very
natural and comes off best. Otherwise, this is pure Hollywood kitsch; a
remake of a 1968 movie.

Sweet Sugar (1972, USA) C-86m.
*½ D: Michel Levesque. Starring Phyllis Davis, Pamela Collins. Standard
W.I.P. exploitation: Good-looking Davis is convicted to Camp 21, a sugar
plantation, where there’s violence and lesbian love. What distinguishes this
one from the rest is some (incredibly profane) comic relief and over-the-top
performances, which makes the film almost recommendable - on a
so-bad-it’s-good basis - since there are some truly laughable scenes.
Released at 90m. in the U.S. (and given inexplicably better reviews).

Swept From the Sea (1998, GBR/USA)
C-114m. Scope **½ D: Beeban
Kidron. Starring Rachel Weisz, Vincent Perez, Ian McKellen, Kathy Bates, Josh
Ackland, Tony Haygarth, Zoë Wanamaker, Tom Bell. Impressively filmed love
epic set in Cornwall about the romance between social underdog Weisz and her
ship-wrecked Russian lover Perez. Despite the scepsis of the villagers they
fight for respect and plan to have a family. Story thrust is almost
non-existent, although wonderful photography (by Dick Pope) and grand score
(by John Barry) make it seem better than it really is. From the novel Amy
Foster by Joseph Conrad.

Swiri (1999, KOR) C-125m. **½ D: Kang Je-gyu. Starring Han Suk-kyu,
Choi Min-sik, Kim Yunjin, Song Kang-ho, Johnny Kim. Action melodrama is one of
the first Korean blockbusters, with a story about a police squad, who must
stop specially trained terrorists who intend to blow up a mega-bomb during a
crucial football match between North and South Korea. What could have become
a Korean DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (1995) is much too talky and slowly paced.
Still, an ambitious film, with several explosive action set-pieces. Written
by the director. Also known as SHIRI.

Swiss Conspiracy, The (1976, USA/GER)
C-90m. ** D: Jack Arnold. Starring David Janssen, Senta Berger, John
Ireland, John Saxon, Ray Milland, Elke Sommer, Anton Diffring, David Hess.
Thriller about the mysterious blackmailing of five wealthy customers of a
Swiss bank, who are asked for ransom or else their secrets will be made
known. Poorly plotted, but setting and B-movie all-star cast makes this
watchable (although Milland and especially Sommer are terrible). Director
Arnold’s last feature.

Swordsman 2 (1992, HGK) C-106m.
*** D: Ching Siu-Tung. Starring Jet Li, Brigitte Ching-Xia Lin, Michelle
Li, Rosamund Kwan, Yan Yee-Kwan, Fannie Yuen. Follow-up to THE SWORDSMAN is
fantastic martial arts spectacle, stylishly directed and very
well-choreographed: Members of the Sun-Moon sect are out to rescue their
master, who has been kidnapped by evil usurpers. The battle may be decided by
an ancient, magical scroll. The plot is sometimes hard to follow, but
atmosphere, established by stylish color cinematography, and tremendous
action sequences make this a must for genre fans. Extensive use of gore may
make the film unsuitable for squeamish viewers, however. Original title: TUNG
FONG BAT BAI II. Tsui Hark produced and cowrote the screenplay, which is
based on a novel by Louis Cha.

Swordsman 3 (1994, HGK) C-93m.
*** D: Ching Siu-Tung, Raymond Li. Starring Brigitte Ching-Xia Lin, Joey
Wang, Yu Rong Guang, Steve Lee. Third film in the SWORDSMAN series is no less
fascinating, as Kung Fu master Asia (Lin) returns from the dead to exact
revenge on those who are using her name for foul purposes. Guang plays a
warrior who has led Spanish conquerors to her grave searching for a powerful
scroll. His initial admiration for her turns into contempt after he sees what
Asia does to her former (female) lover Wang. A highly aesthetic martial-arts
fantasy with stunning use of slow-motion, like its predecessors based on
writings by Louis Cha. Produced by Tsui Hark. Alternative English title: THE
EAST IS RED. Original running time is 100m., original title TUNG FONG BAT BAI
III.

Szaffi (1986, HUN/GER/CDN) C-72m. **½ D:
Attila Dargay. Starring (the voices of) András Kern, Judit Pogány, Hilda Gobbi,
Györgyi Bárdy. Historical animated feature about Hungarian prince Jonas, who grows
up among gypsies after Austrians take over his castle and his father is
murdered. As a young adult, he comes to claim his inheritance. This fairy
tale comedy is okay for kids. Quality of the animation is fair. German title: JONAS UND DER
VERSCHWUNDENE SCHATZ.